CVE-2007-4809 in Online Fantasy Football League
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Online Fantasy Football League (OFFL) 0.2.6 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the DOC_ROOT parameter to (1) lib/functions.php or (2) lib/header.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2024
The CVE-2007-4809 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw discovered in the Online Fantasy Football League version 0.2.6, a web-based application designed for fantasy sports management. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of user-supplied input parameters, specifically the DOC_ROOT parameter that is processed in two key files: lib/functions.php and lib/header.php. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs into the application's execution flow, enabling unauthorized code execution on the target server. This vulnerability type falls under the CWE-88 category, which specifically addresses "Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command" and aligns with the broader class of remote code execution vulnerabilities that have plagued web applications for decades. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a command injection technique that leverages web application weaknesses to achieve arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize input parameters before using them in file inclusion operations. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the DOC_ROOT parameter, the application processes this input without adequate sanitization, allowing the system to attempt to include and execute the remote file specified in the URL. This creates a pathway for attackers to inject malicious PHP code that can be executed in the context of the web server, potentially granting full control over the application and underlying server. The vulnerability specifically affects the include or require functions within PHP, which are commonly used for modular code organization but become dangerous when user input is not properly filtered. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and output encoding practices that are fundamental to secure coding standards.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-4809 extends far beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish reverse shells, deploy malware, or use the compromised server as a launchpad for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the application's core functionality since it allows attackers to modify or replace critical system files, potentially corrupting the application's database or user information. Organizations running affected versions of OFFL face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory violations. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability was identified during a time when many web applications lacked proper input validation mechanisms, highlighting the importance of implementing defense-in-depth strategies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4809 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. The primary fix involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Organizations should disable remote file inclusion features in PHP configuration and implement whitelisting mechanisms for acceptable file paths. The recommended approach includes using absolute paths instead of user-supplied variables in include statements, implementing proper parameter validation, and employing secure coding practices that follow the principle of least privilege. Additionally, organizations should deploy web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious patterns of exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications, as this class of vulnerability has been consistently found in numerous web applications throughout the years. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of keeping applications updated with the latest security patches and implementing comprehensive security awareness training for development teams to prevent similar issues in future code deployments.