CVE-2007-3160 in PHP Real Estate Classifieds
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in admin/header.php in PHP Real Estate Classifieds Premium Plus allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the loc parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-3160 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the PHP Real Estate Classifieds Premium Plus application. This vulnerability exists within the admin/header.php file where the loc parameter is improperly handled, allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs that get executed as PHP code. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into the application's execution flow. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the web application, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. The loc parameter in the application's administrative interface accepts user input without proper validation, creating an attack vector where malicious actors can supply URLs containing PHP code that gets included and executed. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when applications use functions like include(), require(), or their variants without proper sanitization of input parameters. The vulnerability operates under the ATT&CK framework as a remote code execution technique, specifically categorized under T1059.007 for PHP and T1505.003 for web shell deployment, allowing adversaries to establish persistent access and execute commands on the compromised server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and gain full control over the affected web server. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, establish backdoors, or deploy web shells that maintain persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability affects not only the specific application but also the entire hosting environment, as the executed code operates with the privileges of the web server process. This creates a significant risk for data breaches, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Organizations running this vulnerable software face immediate risks including unauthorized access to sensitive user data, modification of classified listings, and potential use as a stepping stone for further attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3160 should focus on immediate patching of the vulnerable application to address the input validation flaw in the loc parameter handling. Security teams must implement proper input sanitization measures, including strict validation of all user-supplied parameters and the use of allowlists for acceptable URL formats. The application should be configured to disable remote file inclusion features entirely, using php.ini settings such as allow_url_include = Off and allow_url_fopen = Off to prevent the inclusion of remote resources. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with rules to detect and block suspicious URL patterns in the loc parameter can provide additional defense-in-depth layers. Regular security auditing of application code and input validation mechanisms should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future development cycles, ensuring compliance with secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.