CVE-2007-5178 in Mx Glance
Summary
by MITRE
contrib/mx_glance_sdesc.php in the mx_glance 2.3.3 module for mxBB places a critical security check within a comment because of a missing comment delimiter, which allows remote attackers to conduct remote file inclusion attacks and execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the mx_root_path parameter. NOTE: some sources incorrectly state that phpbb_root_path is the affected parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5178 represents a critical security flaw in the mx_glance 2.3.3 module for mxBB, a popular extension for phpBB forums. This issue stems from a fundamental coding error in the contrib/mx_glance_sdesc.php file where a crucial security validation mechanism has been inadvertently placed within a code comment. The flaw occurs due to a missing comment delimiter, which effectively renders the security check non-functional and allows malicious actors to bypass intended protections. This misconfiguration creates a dangerous scenario where remote attackers can manipulate the application's behavior through carefully crafted input parameters.
The technical execution of this vulnerability relies on the mx_root_path parameter which serves as the primary attack vector for remote file inclusion exploits. When the application processes this parameter without proper validation, attackers can inject malicious URLs that get executed as PHP code on the target server. The vulnerability specifically affects the mx_glance module's handling of path variables, where the security check meant to validate input paths has been rendered ineffective by the misplaced comment. This creates a classic remote code execution scenario that can be exploited through various means including crafted web requests or malicious forum posts that trigger the vulnerable code path.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to gain full control over the affected server. Once exploited, attackers can upload additional malicious files, modify existing code, access sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's classification as critical indicates that it can be easily exploited without requiring special privileges or extensive reconnaissance. The flaw affects the entire mxBB ecosystem and demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and code review practices in web applications.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected mx_glance module to version 2.3.4 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the comment delimiter issue. Organizations should also implement proper input validation mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied parameters before processing them, particularly those related to file paths and URLs. The fix should ensure that security checks are properly implemented outside of comment blocks and that all path parameters are validated against a whitelist of acceptable values. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls and proper server configuration can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes the weakness of executing arbitrary code, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's execution tactics.