CVE-2007-5097 in offl
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in lib/classes/offl_nflteam.php in Online Fantasy Football League (OFFL) 0.2.6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the DOC_ROOT parameter. NOTE: this issue is disputed by CVE because a __FILE__ test protects offl_nflteam.php against direct requests.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5097 pertains to a remote file inclusion flaw discovered in the Online Fantasy Football League (OFFL) version 0.2.6 software. This issue specifically affects the lib/classes/offl_nflteam.php component where a dangerous parameter named DOC_ROOT is processed without adequate validation, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code remotely. The vulnerability represents a classic remote code execution vector that could potentially allow attackers to gain unauthorized control over the affected system.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the improper handling of user-supplied input through the DOC_ROOT parameter, which is then used in file inclusion operations within the offl_nflteam.php script. When an attacker can manipulate this parameter to point to a remote malicious file, they can effectively execute arbitrary code on the target server. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and remote file inclusion attacks, which are commonly classified under CWE-829 and CWE-20. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical flaw in input validation and parameter sanitization practices within the application's codebase.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant, as it allows remote attackers to execute malicious code on the target system without requiring authentication or physical access. An attacker could potentially use this vulnerability to install backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify system configurations, or launch further attacks against the internal network. The vulnerability could affect not only the web application itself but also potentially compromise the entire server environment, especially if the application runs with elevated privileges. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in production environments where the application may have access to databases and other critical resources.
Although the vulnerability has been marked as disputed by CVE due to the presence of a _FILE_ test that protects offl_nflteam.php against direct requests, this protection may not be sufficient to prevent exploitation. The _FILE_ test only prevents direct access to the script but does not necessarily prevent indirect exploitation through other vulnerable components within the same application. The disputed nature of this CVE indicates that the vulnerability's exploitation conditions may be more complex than initially described, and the actual attack surface might be limited. Security practitioners should consider the broader context of the application's architecture and the specific implementation details when assessing the true risk posed by this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameter sanitization for all user-supplied data, particularly parameters used in file inclusion operations. The recommended approach includes implementing strict whitelisting of allowed values, using absolute paths instead of relative paths, and avoiding dynamic file inclusion where possible. Additionally, application-level firewalls and web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious patterns in incoming requests. The implementation of secure coding practices and regular security code reviews should be mandatory to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future versions of the application. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege and ensuring that web applications run with minimal required permissions to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of comprehensive security testing and validation of all input parameters, particularly those used in dynamic operations within web applications, aligning with security best practices defined in various industry standards and frameworks including those referenced in the ATT&CK framework for application layer attacks.