CVE-2007-3813 in Noboard Module
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in include/user.php in the NoBoard BETA module for MKPortal allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the MK_PATH parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-3813 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the NoBoard BETA module for MKPortal, specifically affecting the include/user.php file. This issue falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations, allowing attackers to manipulate the MK_PATH parameter to reference remote malicious files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the PHP include functionality by accepting a URL parameter that gets directly processed without adequate validation or sanitization. When the MK_PATH parameter contains a URL pointing to a remote server hosting malicious PHP code, the vulnerable application executes this code within the context of the web server, effectively granting attackers full control over the affected system. This type of vulnerability is classified as a remote file inclusion attack and maps directly to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command. The flaw operates at the application layer where user input is directly concatenated into file paths without proper security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Once exploited, attackers can execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, modify system files, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected web application and underlying system. From an adversary perspective, this represents a high-value target as it enables lateral movement within networks and can serve as a stepping stone for more extensive attacks. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote services to gain access to systems, and T1059, which involves the execution of code through command and scripting interpreters.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate fix involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Applications should employ allowlists of permitted values rather than denylists, and any external input should be strictly validated against expected patterns. Additionally, the use of absolute paths instead of relative paths or user-controllable variables in include statements should be enforced. The principle of least privilege should be applied by ensuring that web applications run with minimal required permissions, and input validation should be implemented at multiple layers including application firewalls, web application firewalls, and server-level controls. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar patterns that could lead to remote file inclusion vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts, as outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 standards for information security management.