CVE-2007-5089 in sk.log
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in php-inc/log.inc.php in sk.log 0.5.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the SKIN_URL parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5089 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the sk.log 0.5.3 content management system that exposes organizations to arbitrary code execution attacks. This vulnerability resides within the php-inc/log.inc.php file and specifically targets the SKIN_URL parameter which is susceptible to manipulation by remote attackers. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting remote services through web application vulnerabilities. The vulnerability operates by allowing an attacker to inject a malicious URL into the SKIN_URL parameter, which then gets processed by the application without proper sanitization or validation, creating a pathway for remote code execution.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly validate user input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. When the SKIN_URL parameter is passed to the log.inc.php script, the application directly uses this parameter to construct file paths or URLs for inclusion without adequate input filtering or sanitization. This behavior creates a condition where an attacker can manipulate the parameter to point to external malicious resources, effectively allowing the web server to execute code from remote locations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application level and can be exploited through standard web requests without requiring authentication or specialized tools beyond basic web browser capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data breach scenarios. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain full control over the affected web server, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data, system enumeration, privilege escalation, and persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability affects all versions of sk.log up to and including version 0.5.3, representing a significant risk for organizations operating legacy systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability can be exploited through standard HTTP requests, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise and potentially automated exploitation tools. Organizations using vulnerable versions of this software face risks of data theft, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements to prevent similar issues. The primary and most effective mitigation involves upgrading to a patched version of sk.log that properly validates and sanitizes user input before processing it in file inclusion operations. Organizations should implement input validation measures that reject any URLs containing potentially malicious patterns or external references that could lead to remote file inclusion. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious requests, configuring proper file permissions to limit execution capabilities, and establishing network segmentation to contain potential compromise. Security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous requests to the affected parameter and unusual file access patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the CERT/CC secure coding guidelines, particularly regarding input validation and output encoding to prevent similar remote file inclusion scenarios in future applications.