CVE-2007-5147 in Puzzle Apps CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Puzzle Apps CMS 2.2.1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the MODULEDIR parameter to (1) core/modules/my/my.module.php or (2) core/modules/xml/xml.module.php; the COREROOT parameter to (3) config.loader.php, (4) platform.loader.php, (5) core.loader.php, (6) person.loader.php, or (7) module.loader.php in core/ or (8) install/steps/step_3.php; or the THISDIR parameter to (9) people.lib.php, (10) general.lib.php, (11) content.lib.php, or (12) templates.lib.php in core/modules/admin/libs/ or (13) core/modules/webstat/MEC/index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5147 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Puzzle Apps CMS version 2.2.1, which falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution vulnerabilities. This issue stems from the CMS's failure to properly validate user-supplied input parameters before incorporating them into file inclusion operations, creating multiple attack vectors that can be exploited by remote adversaries to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The vulnerability specifically affects several core files within the CMS architecture, including module loader files, configuration handlers, and administrative libraries, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially provide attackers with complete system compromise capabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through improper input sanitization in multiple locations where the application accepts parameters such as MODULEDIR, COREROOT, and THISDIR without adequate validation or filtering. When these parameters are passed to include or require statements within the PHP code, attackers can inject malicious URLs that point to remote servers hosting malicious PHP payloads. This allows for arbitrary code execution, which aligns with CWE-434, specifically the weakness related to Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, and also maps to CWE-94, which covers the execution of arbitrary code through code injection. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects core system files rather than just individual modules, potentially providing attackers with access to critical system functions and data.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations using Puzzle Apps CMS 2.2.1 as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely without authentication, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or service disruption. The attack surface is extensive as it affects multiple files across different directories including core modules, configuration loaders, and administrative libraries, meaning that exploitation could occur through various attack vectors. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers Exploit Public-Facing Application, and T1059, which covers Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can execute commands through the included PHP code. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential privilege escalation, data theft, and the ability to establish persistent backdoors within the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the affected CMS version to address the input validation flaws in the identified files. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms that prevent user-supplied parameters from being directly used in file inclusion operations. The implementation of a whitelist approach for file inclusion parameters, combined with strict validation of URLs and paths, would significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Additionally, network segmentation, web application firewalls, and regular security audits should be implemented to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping CMS systems updated and following secure coding practices such as those recommended in the OWASP Top Ten and the SANS Institute's secure coding guidelines, which emphasize the need for proper input validation and output encoding to prevent injection vulnerabilities.