CVE-2007-4290 in Guestbook Script
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Guestbook Script 1.9 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the script_root parameter to (1) delete.php, (2) edit.php, or (3) inc/common.inc.php; or (4) database.php, (5) entries.php, (6) index.php, (7) logout.php, or (8) settings.php in admin/. NOTE: a third party disputes this vulnerability, noting that these scripts defend against direct requests.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-4290 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within Guestbook Script 1.9 that could potentially enable attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on affected systems. This issue manifests through multiple entry points within the application's file structure, specifically targeting the script_root parameter in several key files including delete.php, edit.php, and inc/common.inc.php, as well as administrative scripts like database.php, entries.php, index.php, logout.php, and settings.php located in the admin/ directory. The vulnerability operates under the principle of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating pathways for malicious actors to inject and execute unauthorized code within the web application's execution environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input parameters, particularly the script_root parameter that is used to define the root directory for various script operations. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the value for script_root, the application's code execution flow can be manipulated to include and execute arbitrary PHP files from remote locations. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-829, which addresses the inclusion of code from untrusted sources, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. The flaw essentially allows for a form of code injection where attackers can bypass normal application boundaries and execute commands with the privileges of the web server process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for further system compromise and lateral movement within the network. Successful exploitation could result in complete system takeover, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the entire Guestbook Script 1.9 application suite, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can target multiple entry points to achieve their objectives. The disputed nature of this vulnerability, as noted by a third party, suggests that the original assessment may have overestimated the attack surface or that the application's defensive mechanisms were not properly evaluated during the initial vulnerability assessment. However, the core principle of insecure file inclusion remains a significant concern for web application security.
Security professionals should consider implementing multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, including input validation, output encoding, and the implementation of secure coding practices that prevent direct object reference manipulation. The recommended mitigations include disabling remote file inclusion functionality, implementing strict input validation for all user-supplied parameters, and using whitelisting approaches for file inclusion operations. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities and ensure that proper security controls are in place to prevent unauthorized code execution. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in preventing remote code execution attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.