CVE-2007-3141 in phpWebThings
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in core/editor.php in phpWebThings 1.5.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the editor_insert_top parameter. NOTE: the editor_insert_bottom vector is already covered by CVE-2006-6042.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3141 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in phpWebThings version 1.5.2 that exposes the core/editor.php component to malicious exploitation. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution risks that have been consistently documented in cybersecurity frameworks including CWE-88 and CWE-94. The specific implementation flaw occurs within the editor.php file where user-supplied input from the editor_insert_top parameter is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without proper validation or sanitization. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious URLs that, when passed through the editor_insert_top parameter, cause the application to include and execute arbitrary PHP code from remote servers, effectively providing attackers with remote command execution capabilities on the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data breach potential. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious PHP payloads that can establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or pivot to other systems within the network. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage. The attack vector specifically targets the web application layer where user input is improperly handled, making it particularly dangerous in environments where phpWebThings is deployed with elevated privileges or access to sensitive data repositories.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2007-3141 requires minimal prerequisites and can be executed through simple HTTP requests containing malicious URLs in the editor_insert_top parameter. This vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate secure coding principles and security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and ISO/IEC 27001 standards. The flaw represents a classic case of insufficient input sanitization where the application trusts user-provided data without proper verification mechanisms. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability is part of a broader class of remote file inclusion issues that have historically affected numerous web applications and frameworks, making it a critical target for remediation efforts. Organizations using phpWebThings 1.5.2 should immediately implement patches or apply input validation measures to prevent exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3141 should include immediate patching of the affected phpWebThings version to the latest available release that addresses this vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should implement proper input validation at the application level by sanitizing all user-supplied parameters before processing, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. The implementation of proper parameter validation and the use of allowlists for file inclusion operations would prevent attackers from specifying arbitrary URLs. Organizations should also consider disabling remote file inclusion capabilities entirely within their PHP configurations and implementing proper access controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.