CVE-2007-5117 in FrontAccounting
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in FrontAccounting (FA) 1.13, when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the path_to_root parameter to (1) access/login.php and (2) includes/lang/language.php, different vectors than CVE-2007-4279.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2007-5117 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in FrontAccounting version 1.13 that exploits improper input validation and insecure parameter handling. This vulnerability specifically targets the application's reliance on the register_globals PHP configuration setting, which when enabled creates dangerous security implications by automatically exposing external input as PHP variables. The flaw exists in two primary locations within the application's authentication and language handling mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged during the initial login process or while loading language files.
The technical exploitation occurs through manipulation of the path_to_root parameter, which is directly incorporated into the application's file inclusion mechanisms without proper sanitization. When register_globals is enabled, external parameters become automatically available as PHP variables, allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs that get processed through the include() or require() functions. This creates a classic remote file inclusion vulnerability where attacker-controlled content can be executed as PHP code, effectively granting remote attackers complete control over the affected system. The vulnerability differs from CVE-2007-4279 in its specific attack vectors and target locations within the application's codebase.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify application functionality, or establish persistent access to the compromised environment. The vulnerability affects organizations running FrontAccounting 1.13 with register_globals enabled, which was a common configuration in many legacy PHP applications during that timeframe. The attack can be executed without authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible systems.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability include immediately disabling the register_globals PHP configuration setting, which is considered a fundamental security practice and aligns with recommendations from the OWASP Top Ten and CWE-15. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, using a whitelist approach for file inclusion operations, and upgrading to patched versions of FrontAccounting are essential remediation steps. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and configuration management, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's initial access and execution tactics. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts and consider implementing web application firewalls to prevent exploitation attempts.