CVE-2007-3710 in PHP Comet-Server
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in example/gamedemo/inc.functions.php in PHP Comet-Server allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the projectPath parameter.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3710 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the PHP Comet-Server software ecosystem. This vulnerability specifically affects the example/gamedemo/inc.functions.php file where user-supplied input is improperly handled, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The flaw exists in the projectPath parameter which accepts external URLs without adequate validation or sanitization, making it susceptible to exploitation by remote attackers who can manipulate this parameter to include malicious code from external sources.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability manifests as a classic remote file inclusion (RFI) attack vector where the application fails to properly validate user input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. The PHP Comet-Server software appears to use a dynamic include mechanism that directly incorporates user-provided paths without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to supply URLs that point to malicious PHP scripts hosted on remote servers. This creates a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, encompassing data breach risks, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malware payloads. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or local network presence, significantly expanding the attack surface and reducing the time required to achieve successful exploitation. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices for input validation.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including disabling remote file inclusion functionality, implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, and applying proper access controls to prevent unauthorized code execution. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the importance of proper web application security controls. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls, regular security assessments, and proper patch management procedures to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, where all external inputs should be treated as potentially malicious and properly validated before being processed by the application.