CVE-2007-3220 in Cjay Content Module
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in admin/editor2/spaw_control.class.php in the Cjay Content 3 module for XOOPS allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the spaw_root parameter. NOTE: this may be a duplicate of CVE-2006-4656.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-3220 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Cjay Content 3 module for XOOPS content management system. This vulnerability exists in the admin/editor2/spaw_control.class.php file where the spaw_root parameter is improperly validated, allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs that can be executed as PHP code on the target server. The issue stems from the module's failure to properly sanitize user input before using it in file inclusion operations, creating a pathway for remote code execution that could be exploited by malicious actors without authentication.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of command and control operations. The flaw operates at the intersection of input validation and code execution, where untrusted data flows directly into file inclusion mechanisms without proper sanitization or validation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it represents a common attack vector through web application interfaces. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it allows arbitrary code execution, enabling attackers to gain full control over the affected server and potentially escalate privileges within the network.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload backdoors, establish persistent access, and conduct further reconnaissance within the compromised environment. The vulnerability affects the entire XOOPS platform and specifically targets the Cjay Content 3 module, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on this CMS for content management. Given that the flaw involves remote file inclusion, attackers can execute code from external servers, making it difficult to trace and block malicious activities through traditional network monitoring approaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3220 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Cjay Content 3 module to ensure proper input validation and sanitization of the spaw_root parameter. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation that rejects any input containing URLs or special characters that could lead to file inclusion operations. Network administrators should deploy web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems that can detect and block suspicious URL patterns in the spaw_root parameter. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting the permissions of web application processes and ensuring that file inclusion operations are restricted to predefined, trusted directories only. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw necessitates comprehensive monitoring of system logs for unauthorized file access patterns and unusual network traffic originating from compromised web servers.