CVE-2007-4232 in PHPNews
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in admin/inc/change_action.php in Andreas Robertz PHPNews 0.93 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the format_menue parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4232 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Andreas Robertz PHPNews 0.93 content management system. This vulnerability exists in the administrative component of the software, specifically in the file admin/inc/change_action.php which processes user input without proper validation. The flaw manifests when the application accepts user-supplied data through the format_menue parameter and directly incorporates it into file inclusion operations without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms.
This vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-98 Improper Input Validation, which is a fundamental weakness in software design that allows malicious actors to manipulate input data to execute unintended code. The attack vector leverages the remote file inclusion capability inherent in php's include or require functions when these functions are used with untrusted input. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to inject arbitrary PHP code from remote servers, effectively bypassing local security controls and potentially enabling complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to establish persistent access to the compromised system. Through the remote file inclusion mechanism, an attacker can upload malicious PHP payloads that remain persistent across system reboots, allowing for continued unauthorized access and data exfiltration. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, and T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP, as it enables attackers to execute commands through PHP code injection.
The vulnerability exists due to improper input sanitization and validation within the application's administrative interface. When the format_menue parameter is passed to the change_action.php script, the application does not verify that the input represents a legitimate local file path or sanitize the URL format before using it in file inclusion operations. This lack of input validation creates an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious URLs that point to remote servers hosting malicious PHP code. The vulnerability is further exacerbated by the fact that the application operates with sufficient privileges to execute the included files, potentially allowing full system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the affected software to version 0.94 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and sanitization. Network administrators should implement strict input validation at the application level, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters undergo rigorous sanitization before being processed. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by running the web application with minimal necessary permissions, limiting the potential damage from successful exploitation. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous file inclusion patterns and unauthorized access attempts to administrative interfaces. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious requests and employ regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications within their infrastructure.