CVE-2007-5114 in phpmyProfiler
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in include/plugin/block.t.php in Peter Schmidt phpmyProfiler 0.9.6b allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the pmp_rel_path parameter. NOTE: this issue is disputed by CVE because the applicable require_once is in a function that is not called on a direct request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5114 represents a disputed remote file inclusion flaw within the phpmyProfiler 0.9.6b web application developed by Peter Schmidt. This issue specifically targets the include/plugin/block.t.php file where a parameter named pmp_rel_path is processed without adequate validation, potentially allowing malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The vulnerability classification as disputed stems from the technical context where the vulnerable require_once statement exists within a function that is not invoked during direct HTTP requests, raising questions about the practical exploitability of the reported flaw.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic remote file inclusion pattern where user-controllable input flows directly into a PHP include statement. When the pmp_rel_path parameter contains a URL pointing to a remote resource, the require_once function processes this input and executes the remote code as PHP. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-88, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, particularly in the context of command and directory traversal attacks. The weakness manifests when applications fail to properly validate or sanitize input parameters before using them in dynamic code execution contexts.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability could be significant if exploitation proves possible despite the disputed nature of the issue. Attackers could potentially gain unauthorized access to the web server, execute malicious code, and potentially escalate privileges to compromise the entire system. The vulnerability creates an attack surface that allows for arbitrary code execution, which aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting PHP-based web applications. Even though the vulnerability is disputed due to the function call context, security professionals must consider the potential for indirect exploitation pathways or the possibility that the initial assessment of non-callable functions was incomplete.
The disputed status of this vulnerability highlights the complexity of security assessments and the importance of thorough code analysis. While the original report suggests that the require_once statement exists within a function that is not called during direct requests, this assessment may be incomplete or incorrect. Modern security practices require comprehensive analysis of all code paths, including indirect function calls, session handling, or potential bypass mechanisms that could lead to the execution of vulnerable code. Organizations should not rely solely on the disputed status of a vulnerability but should conduct their own thorough analysis and implement defensive measures. The recommended mitigations include implementing input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, utilizing a whitelist approach for file inclusion operations, and ensuring that all dynamic code execution contexts properly validate and restrict input sources. Additionally, regular security code reviews and the implementation of web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection against potential exploitation attempts.