CVE-2007-4167 in AL-Caricatier
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in cat_viewed.php in AL-Caricatier 2.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the CatName parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2018
The CVE-2007-4167 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the AL-Caricatier 2.5 content management system that exposes applications to arbitrary code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically affects the cat_viewed.php script which fails to properly validate or sanitize user input parameters, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to inject malicious URLs into the CatName parameter. The flaw resides in the application's failure to implement proper input validation mechanisms, enabling attackers to manipulate the script's behavior through crafted HTTP requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's insecure handling of user-supplied data within the CatName parameter. When the cat_viewed.php script processes this parameter, it directly incorporates the user input into file inclusion operations without adequate sanitization or validation. This pattern violates fundamental security principles and creates a pathway for attackers to reference external URLs containing malicious PHP code. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution flaw under CWE-94, which specifically addresses the execution of arbitrary code due to improper input validation in interpreted languages.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breach scenarios. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload and execute malicious payloads, potentially gaining unauthorized access to server resources, stealing sensitive information, or establishing persistent backdoors within the affected infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications hosting sensitive data. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for execution through interpreted languages, representing a classic path for lateral movement and privilege escalation within compromised environments.
Organizations affected by CVE-2007-4167 should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP configurations, and applying the latest security patches provided by the vendor. The recommended defensive measures include implementing proper parameter validation using allowlists, employing secure coding practices that prevent dynamic code execution, and conducting comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application codebase. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting this and related vulnerabilities, ensuring that the attack surface remains minimized while maintaining operational continuity.