CVE-2007-4712 in eNetman
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in eNetman 1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the page parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4712 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the eNetman 1 web application that fundamentally compromises the security posture of affected systems. This vulnerability resides within the index.php file and specifically targets the page parameter handling mechanism, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary PHP code on vulnerable servers. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization practices that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic file inclusion operations. Such vulnerabilities fall under the broader category of CWE-98 - Improper Control of Generation of Code, which encompasses weaknesses where applications generate code or execute commands based on user-provided input without adequate security controls. The attack vector leverages the inherent trust placed in local file inclusion mechanisms, allowing remote adversaries to specify external URLs that get processed as local file paths, effectively bypassing normal access controls and security boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing a remote file reference and passes it through the page parameter of the vulnerable index.php script. When the application processes this input without proper validation, it attempts to include and execute the remote file as if it were a local component, thereby enabling arbitrary code execution on the target system. This type of vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003 - Server-side Include, where adversaries leverage server-side code inclusion mechanisms to execute malicious payloads. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow full system compromise, as attackers can leverage the executed code to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or pivot to other systems within the network. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate sanitization of user-provided parameters, creating a dangerous environment where remote attackers can manipulate application behavior to their advantage.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-4712 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with a direct pathway to compromise entire web applications and underlying infrastructure. Once exploited, the vulnerability can lead to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, and the establishment of backdoors or command and control channels. Organizations running affected versions of eNetman 1 face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches, particularly in environments where the application handles sensitive information or serves as a gateway to internal systems. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. This weakness also contributes to broader security risks including potential lateral movement within network environments, as compromised web servers often serve as launching points for further attacks against connected systems. The vulnerability's persistence and ease of exploitation make it a prime target for automated attack tools and malicious actors seeking to compromise web infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4712 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening practices. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that reject any non-local file references in file inclusion operations. Organizations should disable the use of remote file inclusion entirely and enforce strict parameter validation that ensures all file inclusion operations reference only predefined, trusted local paths. The implementation of the principle of least privilege should be enforced through proper configuration of web server permissions and application access controls. Security patches or updates from the vendor should be applied immediately, and if no updates are available, the application should be removed from public exposure or isolated within a secure network segment. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security weaknesses within the application architecture. Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect and alert on suspicious file inclusion patterns and unusual traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security headers can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts, while comprehensive security training for development teams can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future application code.