CVE-2007-4744 in AnyInventory
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in environment.php in AnyInventory 1.9.1 and 2.0, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the DIR_PREFIX parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4744 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in AnyInventory 1.9.1 and 2.0 applications, specifically targeting the environment.php script. This vulnerability exploits a fundamental security weakness that occurs when the PHP configuration parameter register_globals is enabled, creating a dangerous condition where user-supplied input can directly influence the application's execution flow. The flaw manifests through the DIR_PREFIX parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization, allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs that get executed within the application context.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from GET, POST, and cookie data, effectively bypassing normal input validation mechanisms. Attackers can manipulate the DIR_PREFIX parameter to point to malicious remote resources, enabling arbitrary code execution on the target server. This exploitation technique leverages the insecure handling of user input through the include or require functions, where the application directly incorporates the user-controllable parameter value into the file inclusion statement.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. The remote code execution capability allows threat actors to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify application behavior, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects systems where the register_globals setting remains enabled, which was common in older PHP configurations, making numerous installations susceptible to exploitation. This flaw demonstrates how legacy security configurations can create persistent attack vectors that remain relevant even decades after initial discovery.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to disable the register_globals configuration setting in PHP, which should be set to off in all production environments. Security practitioners should implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent user-supplied data from influencing file inclusion operations, utilizing techniques such as whitelisting acceptable values or employing proper parameter validation. The recommended approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for remote code execution and T1190 for exploitation of remote services, emphasizing the need for proper input validation and secure coding practices. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security audits to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other applications, ensuring that all file inclusion operations properly validate and sanitize input parameters to prevent unauthorized resource access and code execution.