CVE-2007-3431 in Dagger - The Cutting Edge
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in cal.func.php in Valerio Capello Dagger - The Cutting Edge r23jan2007 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the dir_edge_lang parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3431 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Valerio Capello Dagger - The Cutting Edge r23jan2007 web application. This vulnerability exists within the cal.func.php file and specifically targets the dir_edge_lang parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected system. The flaw demonstrates a classic remote code execution vulnerability that has been documented in various security frameworks including CWE-94, which classifies it as an "Improper Control of Generation of Code" where the application incorporates user-controllable input into the code generation process without proper validation or sanitization. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, "Exploit Public-Facing Application," as it allows attackers to leverage publicly accessible web interfaces to execute malicious code remotely.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize user input passed through the dir_edge_lang parameter. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the value for this parameter, the application blindly includes this input in the file inclusion process, effectively allowing the execution of code from remote servers. This behavior occurs because the software does not perform adequate input validation or use of secure include functions, creating a pathway for attackers to inject malicious PHP code that gets executed in the context of the web server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it a high-severity issue that can lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain full control over the affected web server. Once exploited, attackers can upload additional malicious files, establish persistent backdoors, and potentially escalate privileges to gain access to underlying system resources. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the web application and its supporting infrastructure. Organizations running affected versions of the Dagger application are at significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks against other systems within the organization's network perimeter.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3431 should focus on immediate patching of the affected software to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent user-controllable parameters from being used in file inclusion operations. The use of allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives in PHP configuration should be disabled to prevent remote file inclusion attacks. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring solutions can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications, and organizations should maintain up-to-date inventories of all web applications to ensure timely patch management. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against similar remote code execution vulnerabilities.