CVE-2007-4342 in Login
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in include.php in PHPCentral Login 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the _SERVER[DOCUMENT_ROOT] parameter. NOTE: a third party disputes this vulnerability because of the special nature of the SERVER superglobal array.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4342 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the PHPCentral Login 1.0 web application. This issue stems from improper input validation and sanitization of the _SERVER[DOCUMENT_ROOT] parameter, which is part of PHP's superglobal arrays that contain server and execution environment information. The vulnerability specifically affects the include.php file, which serves as a critical component in the application's authentication and authorization processes. When an attacker can manipulate the DOCUMENT_ROOT parameter through malicious input, they gain the ability to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, effectively compromising the entire application infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the PHP superglobal array _SERVER, specifically targeting the DOCUMENT_ROOT element which contains the document root directory of the web server. This parameter is typically set by the web server itself and should be considered trusted, but in the vulnerable version of PHPCentral Login, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before using it in file inclusion operations. The flaw aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper file inclusion vulnerabilities where untrusted input is used to determine file paths. Attackers can craft malicious requests that inject URLs into the DOCUMENT_ROOT parameter, causing the application to include and execute remote PHP code from attacker-controlled servers. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of server-side include attacks and represents a significant security risk as it allows for complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-4342 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server and potentially the entire underlying infrastructure. Successful exploitation enables attackers to upload malicious files, establish backdoors, steal sensitive data, perform privilege escalation, and conduct further reconnaissance within the network. The vulnerability affects not just the PHPCentral Login application but also potentially compromises other applications running on the same server, as the attacker can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) techniques, as it allows for command execution through web application exploitation.
The third-party dispute regarding this vulnerability's classification stems from the specialized nature of the SERVER superglobal array and the specific conditions required for exploitation. However, the fundamental security principle remains that any input from external sources should be treated as untrusted and properly validated, regardless of the source or nature of the parameter. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the dangers of directly incorporating user-supplied data into critical system operations. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures, including parameter validation, whitelist filtering, and proper error handling to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited. Additionally, the use of secure coding practices and regular security audits can help identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability also highlights the need for web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can monitor for suspicious patterns of file inclusion attempts and block malicious requests before they can cause damage to the target infrastructure.