CVE-2007-4950 in PHPortal
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in form/db_form/employee.php in PHPortal 0.2.7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the DOCUMENT_ROOT parameter. NOTE: this issue is disputed by CVE, since DOCUMENT_ROOT cannot be modified by an attacker.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-4950 relates to a potential remote file inclusion flaw within the PHPortal 0.2.7 content management system. This issue specifically targets the form/db_form/employee.php script which appears to accept user-supplied input through the DOCUMENT_ROOT parameter. The reported vulnerability would allow remote attackers to inject malicious URLs that could be executed as PHP code, potentially leading to complete system compromise. From a cybersecurity perspective, this represents a classic remote code execution vulnerability that could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to server resources and execute arbitrary commands.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the PHPortal application. When the application processes the DOCUMENT_ROOT parameter without adequate verification, it creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the execution flow by injecting malicious URLs. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure input handling and can be classified as CWE-94 - Improper Control of Generation of Code, which specifically addresses situations where untrusted data is used to construct executable code. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal application boundaries and execute code in the context of the web server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability, if exploitable, would be severe for any organization running PHPortal 0.2.7. Attackers could potentially gain full control over the web server, leading to data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability could be exploited through various means including web-based attack vectors, potentially allowing for the installation of backdoors, data exfiltration, and the execution of malicious payloads. This represents a critical security risk that could affect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems.
However, it is important to note that this CVE has been disputed by the CVE Numbering Authority, with the primary reasoning being that the DOCUMENT_ROOT server variable cannot be directly modified by attackers. This dispute highlights the complexity of vulnerability assessment and the importance of proper validation of reported security issues. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this as a technique involving command and control through web shell execution, but the disputed nature suggests that the actual attack surface may be more limited than initially reported. Organizations should carefully evaluate the validity of this vulnerability before implementing mitigation strategies, as the disputed status indicates that the actual exploitable conditions may not align with the original vulnerability description.
The mitigation approach for this vulnerability should focus on input validation and parameter sanitization practices. While the specific exploit path may be disputed, the underlying principle of securing input parameters remains critical. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation, avoid using user-supplied input in dynamic code execution contexts, and ensure that server variables are properly secured. Additionally, maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing proper access controls can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough vulnerability assessment and the need to validate reported security issues against actual system configurations and attack surfaces.