CVE-2007-4738 in PHP Library
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in SpeedTech PHP Library (STPHPLibrary) 0.8.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) db_conf or (2) ADODB_DIR parameter to utils/stphpimage_show.php; or a URL in the STPHPLIB_DIR parameter to (3) stphpbutton.php, (4) stphpcheckbox.php, (5) stphpcheckboxwithcaption.php, (6) stphpcheckgroup.php, (7) stphpcomponent.php, (8) stphpcontrolwithcaption.php, (9) stphpedit.php, (10) stphpeditwithcaption.php, (11) stphphr.php, (12) stphpimage.php, (13) stphpimagewithcaption.php, (14) stphplabel.php, (15) stphplistbox.php, (16) stphplistboxwithcaption.php, (17) stphplocale.php, (18) stphppanel.php, (19) stphpradiobutton.php, (20) stphpradiobuttonwithcaption.php, (21) stphpradiogroup.php, (22) stphprichbutton.php, (23) stphpspacer.php, (24) stphptable.php, (25) stphptablecell.php, (26) stphptablerow.php, (27) stphptabpanel.php, (28) stphptabtitle.php, (29) stphptextarea.php, (30) stphptextareawithcaption.php, (31) stphptoolbar.php, (32) stphpwindow.php, (33) stphpxmldoc.php, or (34) stphpxmlelement.php, a different set of vectors than CVE-2007-4737. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-4738 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the SpeedTech PHP Library version 0.8.0, which falls under the category of insecure direct object reference and improper input validation issues. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by manipulating specific parameters in multiple script files, creating a significant attack surface that could be exploited across numerous components of the library. The flaw specifically manifests when user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file inclusion functions without proper sanitization or validation, enabling attackers to inject malicious URLs that point to remote servers containing malicious code. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects a wide range of files throughout the library, from basic UI components like checkboxes and radio buttons to more complex elements such as XML document handlers and window management functions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the library's failure to properly validate or sanitize input parameters before using them in include or require statements. When an attacker provides a malicious URL through parameters such as db_conf, ADODB_DIR, or STPHPLIB_DIR, the application blindly incorporates this input into file inclusion operations, effectively allowing the execution of remote code on the target server. The vulnerability affects 34 different files within the library, each presenting a potential entry point for attackers to execute malicious payloads. This widespread impact demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the library's architecture where input validation was not consistently applied across all components, creating a systemic security weakness that could be exploited regardless of which specific UI element was being utilized. The attack vectors are particularly insidious because they leverage legitimate PHP functionality that is commonly used for dynamic content loading and component management, making the vulnerability harder to detect through standard security monitoring.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server environment. Successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise, data theft, privilege escalation, and the potential for establishing persistent backdoors within the application infrastructure. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install web shells, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks against internal networks. The vulnerability's presence in UI component files also means that even seemingly benign user interactions could trigger code execution, potentially allowing attackers to exploit this through web forms, configuration interfaces, or any user-facing component that utilizes the library. This type of vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a critical failure in secure coding practices, as the library should have implemented proper input validation and sanitization at all entry points where external input influences code execution paths.
Organizations using SpeedTech PHP Library 0.8.0 should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The most effective immediate solution involves patching or upgrading to a newer version of the library that properly validates and sanitizes all input parameters before using them in file inclusion operations. Additionally, administrators should implement input validation at the web server level using mod_security rules or similar technologies to block suspicious URL patterns in the affected parameters. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit the exposure of vulnerable applications to external attack surfaces, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual file inclusion patterns or requests containing suspicious URL parameters. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which specifically addresses insecure file upload and inclusion issues, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage. The remediation process should include thorough code auditing to identify similar patterns in other parts of the application, as well as implementing a comprehensive secure coding training program for development teams to prevent similar issues in future releases.