CVE-2007-4101 in Poll
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Madoa Poll 1.1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the Madoa parameter to (1) index.php, (2) vote.php, and (3) admin.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2025
The CVE-2007-4101 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Madoa Poll version 1.1, demonstrating a classic security weakness that has been documented in numerous applications throughout the history of web development. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input through the Madoa parameter, which is processed across three distinct PHP scripts including index.php, vote.php, and admin.php, creating multiple attack vectors for malicious actors to exploit.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the Madoa Poll application, where the software directly incorporates user-provided data without adequate security measures. This flaw falls under the category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. The vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious PHP code through the Madoa parameter, which is then executed on the target server, effectively enabling arbitrary code execution capabilities that can be leveraged for complete system compromise.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to organizations using Madoa Poll 1.1, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code remotely without requiring authentication or physical access to the system. The attack surface extends across multiple entry points within the application, making it particularly dangerous as defenders must secure multiple script files rather than a single vulnerable component. The implications include potential data breaches, system takeover, and the ability to establish persistent backdoors within the affected environment, all of which align with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for execution of malicious code.
The remediation strategy for this vulnerability requires immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures, including the complete removal of user-controllable parameters from file inclusion operations. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation and ensure that all external input is strictly filtered and escaped before being processed by the application. Additionally, the use of secure coding practices such as whitelisting allowed values and implementing proper access controls can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. This vulnerability serves as a prime example of why web applications must follow security best practices and why regular security assessments are essential for identifying and addressing such critical flaws in legacy software systems. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of keeping software updated and the risks associated with running outdated applications that may contain known security issues.