CVE-2007-5157 in PHP Fidonet Tosser
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in phfito-post.php in Alex Kocharin PHP Fidonet Tosser (PhFiTo) 1.3.0 in phpFidoNode allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the SRC_PATH parameter to phfito-post.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5157 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Alex Kocharin PHP Fidonet Tosser (PhFiTo) version 1.3.0 software. This issue specifically affects the phpFidoNode component and manifests through the phfito-post.php script which fails to properly validate user-supplied input parameters. The vulnerability resides in the SRC_PATH parameter handling where the application directly incorporates user-provided URLs without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms.
This remote file inclusion vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) classification of CWE-88, which describes the weakness of argument injection or modification in a command or call with execution. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs into the SRC_PATH parameter, enabling them to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries leverage publicly accessible web applications to gain unauthorized access and execute malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides remote attackers with complete control over the affected system. Once exploited, attackers can execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, modify system configurations, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the system since it allows for unauthorized code execution without requiring authentication. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through web browsers or automated scanning tools, making it accessible to threat actors with minimal technical expertise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5157 should include immediate patching of the vulnerable PhFiTo software to version 1.3.1 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed. System administrators should implement input validation controls that sanitize all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to the vulnerable application from untrusted networks. Additionally, implementing proper web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms can prevent malicious URL injection attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper parameter validation as recommended in OWASP Top Ten security guidelines, specifically addressing the prevention of remote file inclusion attacks through proper input sanitization and validation techniques.