CVE-2007-4815 in ED Engine
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in WebED in Markus Iser ED Engine 0.8999 alpha allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the Codebase parameter to (1) channeledit.php, (2) post.php, (3) view.php, or (4) viewitem.php in source/mod/rss/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2007-4815 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting WebED in Markus Iser ED Engine version 0.8999 alpha. This vulnerability resides within the RSS module of the application and manifests through four distinct entry points including channeledit.php, post.php, view.php, and viewitem.php. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating the Codebase parameter with a malicious URL, thereby enabling arbitrary PHP code execution on the target server.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of code inclusion. The flaw operates at the intersection of insecure input handling and dynamic code execution, creating a pathway for attackers to inject and execute malicious PHP scripts. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage this weakness from outside the network perimeter without requiring local access or authentication. The attack vector specifically targets the RSS module's handling of the Codebase parameter, where user input directly influences file inclusion operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-4815 is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, which typically has read and write access to the application's file system. This vulnerability can facilitate the installation of backdoors, data exfiltration, and further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The affected WebED application, being an educational platform, could expose academic records, user credentials, and institutional data to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability affects the entire RSS module functionality and can be leveraged to gain persistent access to the affected system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass multiple defensive layers including immediate patching of the affected WebED application to version 0.9000 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed. Input validation and sanitization mechanisms must be strengthened to prevent user-supplied data from being processed in file inclusion contexts. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running web applications with minimal required permissions and implementing proper access controls. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious traffic attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, the application should be configured to disable remote file inclusion features and implement strict file path validation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious requests targeting known vulnerability patterns. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 for exploit public-facing application and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures across multiple attack surface areas.