CVE-2007-4340 in phpDVD
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in phpDVD 1.0.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the dvd_config_file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4340 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the phpDVD 1.0.4 application that exposes systems to arbitrary code execution attacks. This vulnerability resides within the index.php script where the dvd_config_file parameter is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly validate user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations, a common pattern that has been extensively documented in security literature and categorized under CWE-98. The vulnerability directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, which specifically addresses the exploitation of web application vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access and execute malicious code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates how parameter manipulation can lead to severe security consequences within web applications. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the dvd_config_file parameter, the application blindly includes this remote file without verifying its legitimacy or contents. This behavior constitutes a classic remote file inclusion vulnerability that allows attackers to load and execute malicious PHP scripts hosted on external servers. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to execute code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The flaw exists due to improper input validation and the absence of proper access controls that should prevent inclusion of external resources without explicit authorization.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations running phpDVD 1.0.4 applications, as it provides attackers with a straightforward method for gaining unauthorized access to systems. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data breaches, system compromise, and the ability to establish persistent access through backdoors or additional attack vectors. Organizations may experience unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion, while the compromised systems could serve as launching points for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly attractive for automated scanning and exploitation campaigns. Security teams must consider the potential for lateral movement once initial access is achieved, as the compromised web application could provide attackers with access to internal resources that would otherwise be protected by network segmentation.
Effective mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4340 require immediate action to address the root cause of the vulnerability through proper input validation and sanitization. The primary remediation involves implementing strict parameter validation that prevents external URL inclusion and ensures that all file paths are properly validated before processing. Organizations should disable the ability to pass external URLs to file inclusion functions and instead require absolute paths or predefined configuration files. Additional protective measures include implementing proper access controls, using secure coding practices that prevent dynamic code execution, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and keeping software components up to date, as this flaw was likely addressed in subsequent versions of the phpDVD application. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect unusual file inclusion patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.