CVE-2007-5186 in Segue CMS
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in Segue CMS 1.8.4 and earlier, when register_globals is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the themesdir parameter, a different vector than CVE-2006-5497. NOTE: this issue was disputed, but the dispute was retracted after additional analysis.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5186 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Segue CMS 1.8.4 and earlier versions that specifically exploits the absence of register_globals functionality. This vulnerability operates through the index.php script where the themesdir parameter is processed without adequate input validation, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code. The security implication is particularly severe because it leverages a configuration state that is considered secure by modern standards, making the attack vector more insidious and harder to detect. The flaw demonstrates how improper parameter handling can bypass fundamental security mechanisms that are typically in place to prevent such code execution scenarios.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the manipulation of the themesdir parameter within the index.php file to include external URLs that contain malicious PHP code. When the CMS processes this parameter, it fails to sanitize or validate the input properly, allowing attackers to specify a remote URL that gets included and executed as part of the PHP application. This behavior directly violates the principle of least privilege and input validation, which are core security practices that should prevent such arbitrary code inclusion. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-98, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, "Exploit Public-Facing Application," where adversaries target web applications for code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise capabilities when attackers can leverage the included remote files to establish persistent access or escalate privileges. The fact that this vulnerability was discovered in a CMS version where register_globals is disabled makes it particularly concerning because it shows how attackers can circumvent security measures that are typically considered protective. The retraction of the initial dispute following additional analysis validates the severity and reproducibility of this flaw, indicating that the vulnerability is not a false positive but a legitimate security concern that requires immediate attention. Organizations using affected versions of Segue CMS face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential complete system takeover if this vulnerability is exploited.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5186 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Segue CMS versions to the latest available releases that contain proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Administrators should implement strict input validation for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations, and disable any unnecessary remote file inclusion capabilities within the application. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring for suspicious URL patterns and blocking attempts to include external resources. The implementation of proper parameter sanitization, including the use of allowlists for valid theme directories and explicit validation of URL schemes, should be enforced to prevent the exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other applications. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on file inclusion practices are essential to identify and remediate similar weaknesses that could be exploited through different attack vectors.