CVE-2007-3230 in Sitellite
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in phphtml.php in Idan Sofer PHP::HTML 0.6.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the htmlclass_path parameter.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3230 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the PHP::HTML 0.6.4 library developed by Idan Sofer. This security weakness exists in the phphtml.php script where the application fails to properly validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the htmlclass_path parameter which is used to specify the path to HTML class files within the application's framework. When an attacker can manipulate this parameter with a malicious URL, the application will attempt to include and execute arbitrary PHP code from the remote location, effectively providing an attacker with remote code execution capabilities on the affected system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically with CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code or commands. This flaw operates under the principle of unvalidated input handling where the application directly uses user-provided data without proper sanitization or validation mechanisms. The vulnerability exists because the phphtml.php script does not implement proper input filtering or validation for the htmlclass_path parameter, allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs that bypass normal security controls. The flaw essentially creates a path traversal condition where attacker-controlled input can be interpreted as a file path, leading to unauthorized code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for any system utilizing PHP::HTML 0.6.4. An attacker can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially gaining full control over the web application and underlying infrastructure. This capability allows for data exfiltration, system compromise, and the deployment of backdoors or additional malicious payloads. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated attacks. Systems running vulnerable versions of PHP::HTML are at risk of becoming compromised hosts within botnet operations or serving as launch points for further attacks against internal networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching and input validation enforcement. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of PHP::HTML that properly validates and sanitizes the htmlclass_path parameter. Organizations should implement strict input validation measures that reject any input containing suspicious URL patterns or protocol schemes. The implementation of a whitelist approach for acceptable file paths can prevent attackers from specifying arbitrary remote locations. Additionally, web application firewalls should be configured to monitor and block requests containing potentially malicious URL patterns in the affected parameter. Security practitioners should also consider implementing proper error handling to prevent information disclosure and ensure that file inclusion operations are performed within controlled boundaries. According to ATT&CK framework technique T1059.007, this vulnerability enables adversary actions related to remote code execution through the use of web shells, making proper network segmentation and monitoring essential for defense in depth. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, as outlined in the OWASP Top 10 2017 category A03: Injection, which directly relates to this class of vulnerabilities.