CVE-2007-4181 in Pluck
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in data/inc/theme.php in Pluck 4.3, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the dir parameter. NOTE: A reliable third party disputes this vulnerability because the applicable include is within a function that does not receive the dir parameter from an HTTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-4181 pertains to a remote file inclusion issue discovered in the Pluck content management system version 4.3, specifically within the data/inc/theme.php file. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and represents a significant security risk when certain server configurations are present. The flaw becomes exploitable when the PHP configuration has register_globals enabled, a deprecated feature that automatically converts HTTP request variables into global variables, creating dangerous conditions for code execution. The vulnerability manifests through the dir parameter which is processed within the theme.php file, potentially allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs that get executed as PHP code on the target server.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. When register_globals is enabled, HTTP GET or POST parameters are automatically converted into global variables, bypassing normal input validation mechanisms. The affected code path in Pluck 4.3 processes the dir parameter without proper sanitization or validation, allowing an attacker to manipulate this parameter to include arbitrary PHP files from remote servers. This creates a classic remote code execution scenario where malicious actors can inject and execute arbitrary code on the vulnerable server, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, and establish persistent backdoors within the target environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, modify existing content, or even gain shell access to the underlying server infrastructure. The fact that this vulnerability requires the specific configuration of register_globals being enabled means that not all installations would be affected, but those that do have this configuration present represent a critical security risk. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the dangers of deprecated PHP configurations that should never be used in production environments.
Security practitioners should recognize this vulnerability as a critical issue that highlights the importance of proper configuration management and input validation practices. The disputed nature of this vulnerability suggests that the original assessment may have been overly broad or that the exploitation conditions were misunderstood. However, the core principle remains valid: any remote file inclusion vulnerability represents a serious threat that must be addressed through proper code review, input sanitization, and configuration hardening. Organizations should ensure that register_globals is disabled in all PHP environments, implement proper parameter validation, and regularly audit their code for similar patterns that could lead to remote code execution. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following security frameworks such as the OWASP Top Ten and adhering to secure coding practices that prevent the inclusion of external resources without proper validation and sanitization.