CVE-2007-5035 in openEngine
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in html/modules/extranet_profile/main.php in openEngine 1.9 beta1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the this_module_path parameter. NOTE: this issue is disputed by CVE because PHP encounters a fatal function-call error on a direct request for the file, before reaching the include statement.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5035 pertains to a potential remote file inclusion flaw within the openEngine content management system version 1.9 beta1. This issue specifically targets the html/modules/extranet_profile/main.php script where the this_module_path parameter is processed without adequate input validation. The vulnerability classification as disputed by the CVE organization stems from the fact that PHP generates a fatal error when directly accessing the vulnerable file, which prevents execution of the include statement that would otherwise enable code injection. This fundamental technical limitation means that the vulnerability may not be exploitable through standard remote code execution methods.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper handling of user-supplied input within the module path parameter, which should normally be validated and sanitized before being used in dynamic include operations. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL through this parameter, the system attempts to include the specified file, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution. However, the disputed nature of this CVE indicates that the underlying PHP execution environment prevents the exploit from functioning as intended, due to the fatal error encountered prior to reaching the vulnerable include statement. This error condition effectively neutralizes the potential attack vector, though the vulnerability may still represent a security concern in other contexts or configurations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability, while disputed, remains significant in understanding the broader security posture of the openEngine platform. Even though direct exploitation may be prevented by PHP's fatal error handling, the existence of such a flaw indicates poor input validation practices and potential security gaps in the application's architecture. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly straightforward parameter handling can lead to complex security implications when combined with PHP's execution model. Security professionals must recognize that even disputed CVEs often reveal underlying architectural weaknesses that could be exploited in different scenarios or combined with other vulnerabilities to create more serious threats.
The security implications extend beyond the immediate technical limitation, as this vulnerability aligns with common weaknesses identified in CWE-94, which addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and CWE-434, which covers "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type." The vulnerability represents a classic example of how insecure parameter handling can create dangerous attack surfaces, particularly when combined with web application frameworks that support dynamic file inclusion. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability could potentially map to techniques involving command and control communications or remote code execution, though the disputed status suggests that traditional exploitation methods are not viable.
Mitigation strategies should focus on comprehensive input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in dynamic include operations. The recommended approach includes implementing strict parameter validation, using whitelisting mechanisms for module paths, and ensuring that all external inputs are properly escaped or encoded before processing. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and prevent suspicious parameter values from reaching vulnerable application components. Additionally, the disputed nature of this CVE should prompt security teams to conduct thorough code reviews and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities that may not be formally recognized but could still pose risks to system security. The incident underscores the importance of continuous security assessment and validation of vulnerability assessments to ensure comprehensive protection against both known and unknown threats.