CVE-2007-4807 in Focus Sis
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Focus/SIS 2.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the staticpath parameter to (1) modules/Discipline/CategoryBreakdownTime.php or (2) modules/Discipline/StudentFieldBreakdown.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-4807 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting the Focus/SIS 2.2 web application. This issue resides within the application's handling of user-supplied input in the staticpath parameter, which is processed through two specific php files within the modules/Discipline directory structure. The vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object reference and improper input validation, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through crafted URL parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize the staticpath parameter before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the value for staticpath, the application processes this input without adequate sanitization, allowing the execution of arbitrary PHP code on the server. This flaw directly maps to CWE-98, which describes improper file inclusion vulnerabilities, and specifically manifests as a remote code execution vector through the manipulation of file inclusion parameters. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the core of the application's file handling mechanisms, where user input is directly used to determine which files should be included and executed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server environment. Once exploited, an attacker can execute malicious PHP code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or further network infiltration. The vulnerability affects the specific modules related to discipline reporting within the Focus/SIS application, meaning that any user with access to these reporting functions could potentially exploit the flaw. This creates a significant risk for educational institutions that rely on the application for student discipline tracking and reporting, as the compromise could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive student information and disruption of educational administrative processes.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the broader ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as well as T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for malicious file execution. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical sophistication and can be automated, making it a preferred target for both skilled attackers and automated scanning tools. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameter sanitization, and the removal of any functionality that allows external URL inclusion in file operations. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that the web server process operates with minimal required permissions and that all file inclusion operations are performed through secure, internal paths rather than user-supplied parameters. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other components of the application stack, as this vulnerability demonstrates a pattern of insecure input handling that may exist elsewhere in the codebase.