CVE-2007-3632 in LimeSurvey
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in LimeSurvey (aka PHPSurveyor) 1.49RC2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the homedir parameter to (1) OLE/PPS/File.php, (2) OLE/PPS/Root.php, (3) Spreadsheet/Excel/Writer.php, or (4) OLE/PPS.php in admin/classes/pear/; or (5) Worksheet.php, (6) Parser.php, (7) Workbook.php, (8) Format.php, or (9) BIFFwriter.php in admin/classes/pear/Spreadsheet/Excel/Writer/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2007-3632 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting LimeSurvey version 1.49RC2, formerly known as PHPSurveyor. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation in multiple PHP files within the application's administrative component structure. The flaw specifically manifests in the homedir parameter handling within several Excel spreadsheet library files, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-88 category of Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, which addresses Execution of Code from Untrusted Source. The issue occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations, allowing attackers to manipulate the file path parameter to reference external malicious files. The affected files include core components of the Spreadsheet/Excel/Writer library, specifically OLE/PPS/File.php, OLE/PPS/Root.php, Spreadsheet/Excel/Writer.php, and several others within the admin/classes/pear/ directory structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides remote attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary code on the affected server with the privileges of the web application. This could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, escalate privileges, or use the compromised server as a pivot point for attacking internal network resources. The attack vector requires minimal user interaction since the vulnerability exists in administrative components that are accessible via web requests, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrative access is not properly restricted.
The attack pattern associated with this vulnerability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, though the primary execution method would be through direct PHP code injection. Organizations using LimeSurvey 1.49RC2 should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, parameter sanitization, and the removal of any unnecessary file inclusion capabilities. The most effective defense involves ensuring that user-supplied input is properly validated and escaped before being used in file path operations, along with implementing proper access controls to prevent unauthorized access to administrative components. Additionally, upgrading to a patched version of LimeSurvey or implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block such malicious requests would provide comprehensive protection against exploitation attempts.