CVE-2007-5185 in phpwcms
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in phpWCMS XT 0.0.7 BETA and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the HTML_MENU_DirPath parameter to (1) config_HTML_MENU.php and (2) config_PHPLM.php in phpwcms_template/inc_script/frontend_render/navigation/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2007-5185 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting phpWCMS XT versions 0.0.7 BETA and earlier. This issue resides within the frontend rendering navigation components of the phpWCMS content management system, specifically in two configuration files that handle menu directory path parameters. The vulnerability manifests when user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without proper sanitization or validation, creating an avenue for remote code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-98 category of Improper Input Validation, specifically manifesting as a remote file inclusion attack vector that allows adversaries to inject malicious PHP code through crafted URLs.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the HTML_MENU_DirPath parameter in two distinct files: config_HTML_MENU.php and config_PHPLM.php. These files are located within the phpwcms_template/inc_script/frontend_render/navigation/ directory structure, indicating they are part of the frontend template rendering system responsible for generating navigation menus. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL and injects it into the HTML_MENU_DirPath parameter, the application processes this input directly without proper validation, leading to the inclusion of arbitrary remote files. This behavior aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries leverage vulnerabilities in web applications to execute malicious code on target systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5185 is severe and multifaceted, as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on affected systems. This capability allows threat actors to gain full control over the compromised web server, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and further lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects the core navigation functionality of phpWCMS, which could result in complete application compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within the CMS. Additionally, the remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability from any location without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5185 should focus on immediate patching and input validation improvements. Organizations must upgrade to phpWCMS XT versions that address this vulnerability, as the original affected versions are no longer supported and contain multiple security flaws. The recommended approach includes implementing proper input sanitization and validation for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Security measures should enforce strict parameter validation using allowlists of acceptable values rather than denylists, and implement proper URL validation to prevent inclusion of external resources. The ATT&CK framework suggests implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules to prevent exploitation of such vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling remote file inclusion features entirely and using local file paths only for navigation configuration to eliminate the attack surface associated with external resource inclusion.