CVE-2007-3370 in Sun Board
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Sun Board 1.00.00 Alpha allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in (1) the sunPath parameter to include.php or (2) the dir parameter to skin/board/default/doctype.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-3370 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Sun Board 1.00.00 Alpha, a web-based bulletin board system. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the application's file inclusion mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The flaw exists in two primary locations within the application's codebase, specifically in the include.php file where the sunPath parameter is processed, and in the skin/board/default/doctype.php file where the dir parameter is handled. These locations demonstrate a classic lack of proper parameter validation that allows attackers to manipulate the application's file inclusion behavior.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of HTTP parameters that control file inclusion operations within the PHP application. When the sunPath parameter in include.php or the dir parameter in doctype.php receives a URL value instead of expected local file paths, the application treats this input as a valid file source and attempts to include and execute the remote content. This behavior directly violates secure coding principles and represents a fundamental flaw in the application's architecture. The vulnerability maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command, and CWE-94, which covers improper control of generation of code, as the application fails to properly sanitize user input before using it in file inclusion contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected server with the privileges of the web application. This capability enables attackers to gain full control over the vulnerable system, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the web application and any data stored within it, as attackers can read sensitive information, modify content, or even establish persistent backdoors. Additionally, the vulnerability can be exploited to gain access to the underlying server, potentially compromising the entire hosting environment and any other applications running on the same infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves patching the application to properly validate and sanitize all user-supplied input before it is used in file inclusion operations. This includes implementing strict input validation that rejects any URL or remote file references in parameters that control file inclusion. Organizations should also implement proper parameter sanitization techniques, such as using allowlists of acceptable values or implementing proper URL validation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following the principle of least privilege in web application development, ensuring that applications never execute code from untrusted sources. Security measures should include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious parameter values, conducting regular security code reviews, and applying the defense-in-depth approach recommended by the MITRE ATT&CK framework for web application attacks. System administrators should also monitor for unusual file inclusion patterns and implement proper access controls to limit the damage that can be caused by successful exploitation of such vulnerabilities.