CVE-2007-3401 in b1gBB
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in footer.inc.php in B1G b1gBB 2.24 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the tfooter parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3401 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the B1G b1gBB 2.24 bulletin board software, specifically within the footer.inc.php file. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input passed through the tfooter parameter, allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs that are then included and executed as PHP code. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools and malicious actors seeking to compromise web servers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the tfooter parameter which is processed by the footer.inc.php script. When a user-supplied URL is passed through this parameter and subsequently included in the application's execution flow, the PHP interpreter treats the remote content as executable code rather than mere data. This behavior stems from the application's failure to implement proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms, allowing malicious URLs to be directly incorporated into the application's execution context. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution issue that aligns with CWE-94, which describes the weakness of allowing untrusted data to be executed as code, and also corresponds to the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and the establishment of persistent backdoors.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-3401 is severe and multifaceted, affecting organizations running the vulnerable B1G b1gBB 2.24 software. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to the web server, potentially leading to full system compromise and data breaches. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication. This vulnerability creates an attack surface that can be exploited by automated scanning tools, making vulnerable systems highly attractive targets for mass exploitation campaigns. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of web content, installation of malware, and potential use as a pivot point for attacking internal network resources. The vulnerability also impacts the integrity and availability of the affected web applications, potentially causing service disruption and data corruption.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3401 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of B1G b1gBB software, as the vulnerability was resolved in subsequent releases through proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation and sanitization for all user-supplied inputs, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The implementation of input validation controls such as allowlists for acceptable URL formats, proper encoding of user inputs, and the use of secure file inclusion functions should be enforced. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify and remediate similar issues in legacy applications. Security teams should implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual file inclusion patterns and unauthorized code execution attempts, while also ensuring that all web applications undergo regular security testing and code reviews to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future versions.