CVE-2007-4948 in Webmedia Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Webmedia Explorer (webmex) 3.2.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via (1) a URL in the path_include parameter to includes/rss.class.php, (2) a URL in the path_template parameter to (a) templates/main.tpl.php or (b) templates/folder_messages_link_message_name.tpl.php, or (4) a URL in the path_templates parameter to templates/sidebar.tpl.php. NOTE: the vulnerability is present only when the administrator does not follow installation instructions about the requirement for .htaccess support. NOTE: the includes/core.lib.php vector is already covered by CVE-2006-5252.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-4948 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Webmedia Explorer version 3.2.2, specifically targeting PHP applications that fail to properly validate user input. This vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, commonly known as code injection. The flaw manifests in multiple entry points within the application's file inclusion mechanisms, creating pathways for attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code remotely. The vulnerability's presence is contingent upon specific misconfigurations, particularly when administrators fail to implement required .htaccess support during installation, demonstrating how improper deployment practices can exponentially increase attack surface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of specific parameter values within the application's request handling process. Attackers can inject malicious URLs into the path_include parameter within includes/rss.class.php, or alternatively target the path_template parameter in templates/main.tpl.php and templates/folder_messages_link_message_name.tpl.php, or the path_templates parameter in templates/sidebar.tpl.php. These injection points allow remote threat actors to include and execute arbitrary PHP code from external sources, effectively bypassing normal application security controls. The vulnerability operates at the application level, leveraging PHP's include and require functions to dynamically load files, which becomes dangerous when these functions receive unvalidated user input. This represents a classic example of a remote code execution vulnerability that can be classified under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. An attacker who successfully exploits any of these vectors can execute arbitrary commands on the vulnerable server, potentially leading to data breaches, system infiltration, and further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple template files indicates a systemic design flaw in the application's input validation and file inclusion mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous as it provides multiple attack paths. Organizations running affected versions of Webmedia Explorer without proper .htaccess support are particularly vulnerable, as the installation requirements are not being followed, creating an environment where attackers can easily exploit these weaknesses.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through proper input validation and the implementation of secure coding practices. The most effective approach involves ensuring that all user-supplied input is properly sanitized and validated before being used in file inclusion operations. Administrators must follow installation guidelines strictly, including implementing required .htaccess support to prevent unauthorized file access. The application should be updated to a patched version that addresses these specific vulnerabilities, as the original version 3.2.2 contains fundamental flaws in its security architecture. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth, though the most critical measure remains proper configuration and adherence to security best practices. Organizations should also implement regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify and remediate similar issues in their application portfolios, as this vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor configuration oversights can create significant security risks.