CVE-2007-4231 in PhpHostBot
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in order/login.php in IDevSpot PhpHostBot 1.06 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the svr_rootscript parameter, a different vector than CVE-2007-4094 and CVE-2006-3776.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-4231 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the IDevSpot PhpHostBot 1.06 software suite, specifically affecting the order/login.php component. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution threats, demonstrating how improper input validation can lead to severe system compromise. The issue is particularly concerning as it allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server through a carefully crafted URL parameter.
The technical flaw exists in the svr_rootscript parameter handling within the order/login.php file where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without proper sanitization or validation. When an attacker provides a malicious URL as the svr_rootscript parameter value, the application fails to validate the input against a whitelist of acceptable values or properly sanitize the URL before using it in include or require statements. This creates an opportunity for attackers to reference remote malicious scripts hosted on external servers, effectively enabling them to execute arbitrary code on the vulnerable system with the privileges of the web server process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate database contents, modify system files, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that an attacker does not require any local access or authentication credentials to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in web applications that are publicly accessible. This weakness aligns with CWE-94, which describes the improper control of generation of code, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can result in arbitrary code execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing strict input validation and sanitization practices throughout the application. The most effective approach involves removing the vulnerable file inclusion functionality or implementing a comprehensive whitelist of allowed values for the svr_rootscript parameter. Organizations should also consider implementing proper parameter validation using allowlists, input encoding, and secure coding practices that prevent dynamic code execution. Additionally, deploying web application firewalls and implementing proper network segmentation can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics align with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for execution through command and scripting interpreter and T1190 for exploitation of remote services, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be implemented to identify similar patterns that could lead to remote file inclusion vulnerabilities, particularly in legacy applications that may not follow modern security best practices.