CVE-2007-3309 in Simple Machines
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Simple Machines Forum (SMF) 1.1.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code during (1) creation or (2) editing of a message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3309 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Simple Machines Forum version 1.1.2, a widely deployed web-based discussion platform. This vulnerability exists in the message handling functionality of the forum software, specifically during the creation or editing processes where user input is processed. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability suggests a fundamental flaw in the input sanitization or validation mechanisms that govern how user-submitted content is handled within the application's message creation and modification workflows.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a code injection vector that allows remote attackers to inject malicious PHP code into the forum's message handling system. When users create or edit messages, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user input, creating an environment where attacker-controlled code can be executed within the context of the web server. This represents a classic remote code execution vulnerability that falls under the CWE-94 category of "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and specifically aligns with CWE-74 "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component." The flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the server, potentially gaining full control over the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Once exploited, an attacker can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to data theft, system infiltration, or further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the forum, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the forum's message creation or editing interfaces. This vulnerability directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1059.006 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python" in cases where the executed code leverages these interpreters, though the specific implementation likely involves direct PHP execution. The vulnerability can be leveraged to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a launchpad for attacking other systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must be comprehensive and address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary and most effective mitigation is to upgrade to a patched version of Simple Machines Forum, as this vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases. Organizations should also implement input validation and sanitization measures, including the use of proper escaping mechanisms for all user-submitted content. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, aligning with security frameworks such as OWASP Top 10 and NIST SP 800-53 controls. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other applications within the organization's infrastructure.