CVE-2007-3118 in Kravchuk
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Kravchuk letter (K-letter) 1.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the scdir parameter to (1) action.php, (2) subs.php, or (3) unsubs.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3118 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Kravchuk letter (K-letter) version 1.0, a web-based email management system. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's parameter handling, specifically targeting the scdir parameter used in three key script files. The affected files include action.php, subs.php, and unsubs.php, which collectively process user inputs without proper sanitization, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the scdir parameter, which is designed to specify directory paths for various application functions. When attackers supply a malicious URL as the value for this parameter, the application fails to validate or sanitize the input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. This flaw directly maps to CWE-98, which describes improper control of code generation, and specifically relates to CWE-88, concerning improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command. The vulnerability enables attackers to leverage the application's legitimate file inclusion functionality to load and execute remote malicious code, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries and gaining unauthorized access to the underlying server environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Successful exploitation allows adversaries to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the targeted system, as attackers can modify, delete, or exfiltrate sensitive data while also potentially establishing persistent backdoors. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web applications where user inputs are processed without proper validation, creating a direct pathway for remote code execution attacks that align with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 sub-technique for PHP.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures across all user-controllable parameters within the affected application. System administrators should disable the vulnerable functionality or implement proper parameter validation that prevents URL inclusion in the scdir parameter. The recommended approach involves implementing strict input validation that rejects any input containing protocol identifiers such as http:// or https://, while also implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles for web server processes. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version that properly sanitizes all user inputs before processing, following secure coding practices that align with OWASP Top Ten security guidelines and industry best practices for preventing remote file inclusion vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms to detect and prevent exploitation attempts.