CVE-2007-3228 in Sitellite CMS
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in saf/lib/PEAR/PhpDocumentor/Documentation/tests/bug-559668.php in Sitellite CMS 4.2.12 and earlier might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the FORUM[LIB] parameter. NOTE: by default, access to the PhpDocumentor directory tree is blocked by .htaccess.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-3228 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Sitellite CMS 4.2.12 and earlier versions. This issue specifically affects the PhpDocumentor component located at saf/lib/PEAR/PhpDocumentor/Documentation/tests/bug-559668.php, which demonstrates a classic pattern of insecure parameter handling that enables attackers to inject malicious code through web applications. The vulnerability arises from the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize user input that gets directly incorporated into file inclusion operations, creating an attack vector that can be exploited without authentication.
The technical flaw manifests when the FORUM[LIB] parameter is manipulated by an attacker to point to a remote malicious URL containing PHP code. This parameter is processed without adequate input validation, allowing the application to include and execute arbitrary PHP scripts from external sources. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of command and buffer injection. This weakness enables attackers to manipulate the application's behavior by injecting malicious payloads through the parameter handling mechanism.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected server. This level of access allows threat actors to perform various malicious activities including data exfiltration, privilege escalation, server compromise, and deployment of backdoors or additional malware. The vulnerability can be exploited by simply crafting a malicious URL and passing it through the FORUM[LIB] parameter, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no prior authentication or specialized knowledge of the system's internal workings. The attack surface is significantly broadened by the fact that this vulnerability can be triggered through standard web application interfaces, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise.
While the vulnerability description notes that access to the PhpDocumentor directory tree is blocked by .htaccess by default, this protection mechanism can be bypassed through various techniques including path traversal attacks or by exploiting other vulnerabilities within the application that might allow access to restricted directories. Organizations should consider implementing multiple layers of defense including web application firewalls, input validation mechanisms, and regular security assessments to protect against such vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190, which describes exploits for execution through the use of remote file inclusion, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreters. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected systems, implementing strict input validation, disabling unnecessary components, and monitoring for suspicious file inclusion patterns in web server logs to detect potential exploitation attempts.