CVE-2007-3221 in XT-Conteudo module
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in admin/spaw/spaw_control.class.php in the XT-Conteudo module for XOOPS allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the spaw_root parameter. NOTE: this issue is probably a duplicate of CVE-2006-4656.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-3221 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the XT-Conteudo module for XOOPS content management system. This security weakness exists in the admin/spaw/spaw_control.class.php file where the spaw_root parameter fails to properly validate or sanitize user input. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to inject malicious URLs that are then processed by the application, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more broadly aligns with CWE-94, representing improper execution of code. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a remote code execution technique that leverages insecure input handling to achieve system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper input validation mechanisms for the spaw_root parameter. When a malicious user supplies a URL in this parameter, the application processes it without adequate sanitization, allowing the inclusion of remote files that may contain malicious PHP code. This creates a dangerous scenario where attackers can potentially upload and execute arbitrary code on the target server, effectively gaining unauthorized access to the system. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal prerequisites and can be automated, making it particularly attractive to threat actors. The issue is compounded by the fact that the vulnerability exists within a core administrative component, providing attackers with elevated privileges and access to sensitive system functions.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-3221 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized data access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, steal sensitive information, modify website content, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks against other systems. The vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of the XOOPS platform, potentially causing service disruption and data breaches. Organizations running affected versions of XOOPS are at significant risk, as this vulnerability can be exploited without requiring authentication and can be discovered through automated scanning tools. The potential for lateral movement within networks increases substantially when this vulnerability is present, as attackers can use compromised servers to access other systems within the same network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3221 should focus on immediate patching of the affected software components, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent versions of the XT-Conteudo module and XOOPS platform. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent unauthorized file inclusion operations, including the use of allowlists for acceptable file paths and strict validation of URL parameters. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts, while regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications. The implementation of web application firewalls can provide additional protection by filtering malicious requests before they reach the vulnerable application components. Security monitoring should also include tracking of unusual file inclusion patterns and unauthorized access attempts to administrative interfaces, as these activities often precede successful exploitation of remote file inclusion vulnerabilities.