CVE-2007-4551 in Arcadem
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in Agares Media Arcadem 2.01 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the loadpage parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4551 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Agares Media Arcadem 2.01 web application. This security weakness resides in the index.php file where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input submitted through the loadpage parameter. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system by manipulating the URL value passed to this parameter. Such vulnerabilities fall under the category of CWE-98, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with the broader ATT&CK framework's code injection techniques. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation that allows attackers to bypass normal application security controls and directly influence the code execution flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the PHP application's failure to implement proper input sanitization mechanisms before processing user-supplied data. When the loadpage parameter receives a URL value, the application does not verify whether the input originates from a trusted source or contains malicious code. This allows attackers to craft specially formatted URLs that, when processed by the vulnerable application, result in the inclusion and execution of remote PHP scripts. The flaw essentially provides an attacker with a direct pathway to execute arbitrary commands on the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and perform further reconnaissance activities within the compromised environment.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations deploying the affected Agares Media Arcadem 2.01 software. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to the web server, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and unauthorized system control. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access or prior authentication to exploit the flaw. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet, potentially affecting multiple systems simultaneously. The compromised server environment may also serve as a launching point for further attacks against internal network resources, creating a potential escalation path for attackers seeking to expand their access within the organization's infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4551 should focus on immediate patching of the affected application to address the input validation weakness. Organizations must implement proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms to ensure that all user-supplied data is thoroughly checked before processing. The implementation of a whitelist approach for acceptable input values can effectively prevent malicious code injection attempts. Additionally, the application should be configured to disable remote file inclusion features when possible, as this reduces the attack surface significantly. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns of requests targeting the vulnerable parameter, while regular security assessments should verify that proper input validation mechanisms are in place and functioning correctly to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other application components.