CVE-2007-3306 in MiniBill
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in crontab/run_billing.php in MiniBill 1.2.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the config[include_dir] parameter, a different vector than CVE-2006-4489.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3306 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in MiniBill version 1.2.5 that specifically affects the crontab/run_billing.php script. This issue falls under the category of insecure direct object references and represents a classic remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized control over affected systems. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the application's configuration handling mechanism, where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without adequate security checks. Unlike similar vulnerabilities such as CVE-2006-4489, this particular flaw manifests through the config[include_dir] parameter, creating a distinct attack surface that allows remote attackers to manipulate the application's behavior by injecting malicious URLs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application processes the config[include_dir] parameter without proper validation, enabling attackers to specify arbitrary URLs that get included and executed as PHP code. This occurs because the application uses a dynamic include mechanism that accepts user input directly from the configuration parameter, creating a path traversal scenario where attacker-controlled content can be interpreted as executable code. The flaw is categorized under CWE-88, which specifically addresses command injection vulnerabilities, and more broadly under CWE-20, which covers input validation issues. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious URLs that point to remote servers hosting malicious PHP payloads, which then get executed in the context of the web server process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for full system compromise when the web server has sufficient privileges to execute the included code.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-3306 is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system with the privileges of the web server process. This can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and the establishment of persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly attractive to automated attack tools and malicious actors seeking to compromise web applications at scale. Organizations running affected versions of MiniBill are exposed to significant risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited through simple HTTP requests that manipulate the config[include_dir] parameter. The attack vector specifically targets the web application layer and can result in unauthorized access to sensitive billing data, system files, and potentially broader network resources depending on the system's configuration and privileges. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and script injection and T1190 for exploitation of remote services.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the affected MiniBill application to version 1.2.6 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to prevent the exploitation of this remote file inclusion vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should implement input validation measures that sanitize all user-supplied data, particularly parameters used in file inclusion operations. Network-level defenses such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability by monitoring for suspicious URL patterns in the config[include_dir] parameter. System administrators should also consider implementing proper access controls and privilege separation to limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices, particularly in validating and sanitizing all external inputs before using them in dynamic operations like file inclusion. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify similar issues in other applications and ensure proper security controls are in place to prevent similar remote code execution vulnerabilities from being exploited in their environments.