CVE-2007-3237 in Tinycontent Module
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in admin/spaw/spaw_control.class.php in the TinyContent 1.5 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-2007-3237 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the TinyContent 1.5 module for XOOPS content management system. This vulnerability specifically affects the admin/spaw/spaw_control.class.php file where improper input validation allows attackers to inject malicious URLs through the spaw_root parameter. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations, creating an avenue for remote code execution attacks that can compromise the entire web server infrastructure.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which categorizes the issue as an "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" where the application dynamically generates code or executes commands based on user input without adequate sanitization. The attack vector leverages the inherent trust placed in the spaw_root parameter, which should ideally contain a local file path but can be manipulated to reference remote malicious files. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests that manipulate the parameter to point to attacker-controlled web resources, making it particularly dangerous as it allows for arbitrary code execution on the target server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload backdoors, steal sensitive information, modify website content, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability affects the entire XOOPS ecosystem where the TinyContent module is installed, potentially impacting multiple websites running the same vulnerable version. Organizations may experience service disruption, unauthorized data access, and potential regulatory compliance violations depending on the sensitive nature of the compromised data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the affected XOOPS installation to the latest version that addresses the remote file inclusion issue. System administrators should implement input validation controls that sanitize all user-supplied parameters before processing, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting file inclusion capabilities to only necessary paths and implementing proper access controls. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other components of the web application stack, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar remote file inclusion vulnerabilities that may exist in other modules or applications.