CVE-2007-5173 in phpBB
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/openid/Auth/OpenID/BBStore.php in phpBB Openid 0.2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the openid_root_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5173 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the phpBB OpenID module version 0.2.0. This security weakness exists in the BBStore.php file located within the includes/openid/Auth/OpenID directory structure of the affected software. The vulnerability specifically targets the openid_root_path parameter which is improperly validated, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations, allowing attackers to manipulate the parameter to reference external malicious files.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper control of code generation capabilities, and falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references. The technical implementation of the flaw allows an attacker to construct a malicious URL that gets processed by the vulnerable phpBB OpenID module. When the application attempts to include the file specified in the openid_root_path parameter, it executes code from the attacker-controlled remote location rather than the intended local file. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that process user input without proper validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Successful exploitation enables remote code execution, which provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Attackers can leverage this capability to install backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify website content, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks against other systems. The vulnerability affects any phpBB installation using the affected OpenID module version, potentially compromising thousands of websites that rely on this popular forum software. Additionally, the exploit can be automated, allowing for mass exploitation of vulnerable systems and making it a prime target for botnets and automated attack campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5173 should focus on immediate patching of the affected phpBB OpenID module to version 0.2.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the remote file inclusion vulnerability. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures to ensure all user-supplied parameters are properly validated before processing. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting file inclusion operations to predefined, trusted locations only. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the web application stack. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for remote code execution and T1190 for exploitation of remote services, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures including proper input validation, network segmentation, and continuous monitoring of application logs for suspicious activity.