CVE-2007-5148 in FrontAccounting
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in FrontAccounting (FA) 1.12 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the path_to_root parameter to (1) access/logout.php or certain PHP scripts under (2) admin/, (3) dimensions/, (4) gl/, (5) inventory/, (6) manufacturing/, (7) purchasing/, (8) reporting/, (9) sales/, or (10) taxes/. NOTE: the config.php vector is already covered by CVE-2007-4279, and the login.php and language.php vectors are already covered by CVE-2007-5117. NOTE: this issue is disputed by CVE because path_to_root is defined before use in all of the other files reported in the original disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5148 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting FrontAccounting version 1.12, a widely used web-based accounting system. This issue falls under the category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution vulnerabilities, with the potential for attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization of the path_to_root parameter, which is utilized in multiple administrative and functional scripts throughout the application's directory structure.
The technical flaw manifests when the path_to_root parameter is passed directly to PHP's include or require functions without proper validation or sanitization. Attackers can manipulate this parameter to include malicious remote files, effectively bypassing the application's intended security controls. The vulnerability affects multiple directories within FrontAccounting including admin, dimensions, gl, inventory, manufacturing, purchasing, reporting, sales, and taxes, indicating a systemic issue in how the application handles path resolution. This widespread impact suggests that the vulnerability exists in core application logic rather than isolated scripts, making it particularly dangerous as it affects the entire system architecture.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk for organizations using FrontAccounting, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process. The implications extend beyond simple code execution to potential full system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to financial data, manipulate accounting records, or establish persistent access points within the organization's network infrastructure. The fact that this vulnerability affects multiple functional areas of the application increases the attack surface and potential impact significantly.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-829, which addresses "Inclusion of Code from Untrusted Source," and follows patterns commonly seen in the ATT&CK framework under T1190 for exploit public-facing applications and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter. The issue is particularly concerning because it affects the core application functionality and requires minimal privileges to exploit, often relying on basic web application attacks such as parameter manipulation. Organizations should note that this vulnerability is disputed by CVE due to the specific implementation details where path_to_root is defined before use in the affected files, suggesting that the original disclosure may have been inaccurate or incomplete. However, the potential for exploitation remains significant, and administrators should treat this as a critical security concern requiring immediate attention and remediation.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of FrontAccounting to the latest available version, implementing proper input validation for all user-supplied parameters, and restricting file inclusion operations to known safe paths. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls, conducting thorough security audits, and establishing proper access controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be performed to identify similar issues within the application's codebase and prevent future incidents. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper parameter validation and secure coding practices in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive financial data.