CVE-2007-5096 in guanxiCRM Business Solution
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in modules/webmail2/inc/rfc822.php in guanxiCRM Business Solution 0.9.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the webmail2_inc_dir parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5096 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the guanxiCRM Business Solution version 0.9.1, specifically affecting the modules/webmail2/inc/rfc822.php component. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-88, which denotes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code due to improper input validation. The flaw exists in the application's handling of user-supplied input through the webmail2_inc_dir parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute unauthorized PHP code on the target system. The vulnerability's severity is compounded by its remote exploitability, meaning attackers can leverage this weakness without requiring physical access to the server or direct network proximity to the affected system.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability stems from the application's insecure handling of dynamic include statements within the PHP code. When the webmail2_inc_dir parameter is processed, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before using it in an include or require statement. This allows an attacker to supply a malicious URL that points to a remote server hosting malicious PHP code, which then gets executed on the vulnerable system. The flaw essentially permits a remote code execution attack where the attacker can inject arbitrary PHP code through the parameter, bypassing normal access controls and potentially gaining complete control over the affected server. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1059.007 for execution through PHP and T1190 for exploitation of remote services, demonstrating how a single vulnerability can enable multiple attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent access to the compromised system. Once exploited, attackers can upload additional malicious payloads, create backdoors, steal sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the entire guanxiCRM application ecosystem, potentially compromising all data stored within the CRM system and exposing sensitive business information. Organizations running this version of the software face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it allows for remote exploitation from any location, making it an attractive target for automated scanning and exploitation tools commonly used by threat actors in the wild.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5096 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The most critical immediate action involves applying the vendor-supplied patch or upgrading to a patched version of guanxiCRM Business Solution, which would resolve the insecure parameter handling. Organizations should also implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other parts of their applications, particularly focusing on any dynamic include or require statements. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth by blocking suspicious requests containing malicious URL patterns. Security teams should also conduct thorough code reviews to identify other potential insecure include statements within the application codebase. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configuration, and maintaining up-to-date security monitoring systems will help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses before they can be exploited by adversaries. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in applications that handle dynamic content inclusion, aligning with industry best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.