CVE-2007-5216 in e-Ark
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in eArk (e-Ark) 1.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in (1) the cfg_vcard_path parameter to src/vcard_inc.php or (2) the cfg_phpmailer_path parameter to src/email_inc.php. NOTE: the ark_inc.php vector is already covered by CVE-2006-6086.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2017
The CVE-2007-5216 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting eArk version 1.0, a content management system that was widely used for digital preservation and archive management. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the application's configuration handling mechanisms, specifically in two key files that process user-supplied parameters. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize or validate external inputs before incorporating them into file paths, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code execution. The vulnerability impacts the system's core functionality by enabling attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute malicious code with the privileges of the web server process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through two distinct attack vectors that leverage the application's parameter handling mechanisms. The first vector targets the cfg_vcard_path parameter within the src/vcard_inc.php file, while the second vector exploits the cfg_phpmailer_path parameter in src/email_inc.php file. Both vectors demonstrate a classic remote file inclusion vulnerability pattern where user-controllable input directly influences the file inclusion process. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the value for either parameter, the application attempts to include and execute the remote file as if it were a local PHP script. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of input validation and secure coding practices, as the application does not perform adequate sanitization or verification of the input sources before processing them.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5216 extends beyond simple code execution, creating significant risks for organizations relying on eArk for digital preservation. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to gain persistent access to sensitive archival data, modify or delete content, and potentially use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it without requiring physical access or prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous for systems with public-facing web interfaces. Organizations using eArk 1.0 were at risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory violations due to the exposure of sensitive archival materials and the lack of proper access controls.
Security mitigations for CVE-2007-5216 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the application's codebase. The most effective immediate solution involves removing or disabling the vulnerable file inclusion functionality and implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing external URL references. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious requests containing potentially malicious file inclusion patterns. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to established security frameworks such as the CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) guidelines for preventing remote file inclusion vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1190 technique for exploiting remote file inclusion, emphasizing the need for proper input validation and output encoding to prevent such attacks. System administrators should also implement regular security audits and ensure that all applications are updated to versions that have addressed these specific vulnerabilities, as the eArk 1.0 version affected by this vulnerability is now obsolete and no longer receives security updates.