CVE-2007-4320 in Ncaster
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in admin/addons/archive/archive.php in Ncaster 1.7.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the adminfolder parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-4320 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Ncaster content management system version 1.7.2. This vulnerability specifically targets the admin/addons/archive/archive.php file and exploits a dangerous parameter handling mechanism through the adminfolder variable. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code by manipulating the adminfolder parameter with a malicious URL, effectively bypassing normal access controls and authentication mechanisms.
This vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-98 Improper Control of Generation of Code, which is a fundamental security weakness in software systems that allows attackers to execute unauthorized code. The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates poor input validation and sanitization practices within the Ncaster application. When the application processes the adminfolder parameter without proper validation, it becomes susceptible to remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability operates by directly including user-supplied URLs as part of the file inclusion process, creating a pathway for attackers to load and execute malicious PHP scripts hosted on external servers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain complete control over the affected server, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or prior authentication credentials to exploit the flaw. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet, potentially affecting multiple users and systems simultaneously. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, which specifically addresses vulnerabilities in web applications accessible from external networks.
The exploitation process typically involves crafting a malicious URL that points to a remote server hosting the attacker's payload, then passing this URL through the vulnerable adminfolder parameter. This approach allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor security architecture practices that violate the principle of least privilege, as legitimate file inclusion functionality is being abused to execute malicious code. Organizations using Ncaster 1.7.2 are at significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data loss when this vulnerability remains unpatched.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of the Ncaster application to version 1.7.3 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other applications. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and strict access controls should be deployed to monitor and block suspicious file inclusion attempts. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar input validation weaknesses. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper parameter validation to prevent remote code execution attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect and respond to exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing comprehensive security measures to protect against remote code execution threats.