CVE-2007-5009 in Phpbb2 Plus
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in language/lang_german/lang_main_album.php in phpBB Plus 1.53, and 1.53a before 20070922, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the phpbb_root_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5009 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the phpBB Plus 1.53 and 1.53a software versions, specifically within the language file lang_main_album.php. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw exists due to inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input parameters, particularly the phpbb_root_path variable that controls the application's root directory path.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize the phpbb_root_path parameter before using it in file inclusion operations. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the value for this parameter, the application processes it without adequate security checks, leading to the inclusion of remote files from external sources. This behavior directly violates security principles outlined in CWE-98, which addresses improper file inclusion vulnerabilities, and CWE-20, covering input validation weaknesses. The vulnerability enables attackers to inject and execute malicious PHP code remotely, potentially compromising the entire web server hosting the vulnerable application.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5009 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Once exploited, adversaries can upload additional malicious files, establish backdoors, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the system. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, and represents a significant threat to web application security. The risk is compounded by the fact that phpBB Plus was widely used, increasing the potential attack surface and the number of vulnerable systems. Organizations running these specific versions faced severe consequences including data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected software to version 1.53a released on 20070922, which addressed the file inclusion flaw. Additionally, system administrators should implement input validation measures, including strict parameter sanitization and the use of allowlists for acceptable file paths. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, while regular security audits should verify that no other similar vulnerabilities exist within the application codebase. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in preventing remote code execution attacks. Organizations should also implement monitoring systems to detect suspicious file inclusion patterns and maintain up-to-date security patches for all web applications to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.