CVE-2007-5234 in Ossigeno
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in upload/common/footer.php in Ossigeno CMS 2.2 alpha3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the level parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5234 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Ossigeno CMS 2.2 alpha3 content management system. This vulnerability exists in the upload/common/footer.php file where the application fails to properly validate user input, specifically the level parameter that is passed through URL requests. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code by manipulating the level parameter to point to external malicious URLs, thereby enabling remote code execution on the affected server. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to severe security breaches in web applications. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute code with the privileges of the web server, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the application's parameter handling mechanism within the footer.php file. When the level parameter is processed, the application directly incorporates user-supplied input into file inclusion operations without proper sanitization or validation. This creates an environment where an attacker can construct malicious URLs that, when executed, will load and execute remote PHP scripts. The vulnerability is classified as a remote file inclusion (RFI) attack vector, which is categorized under CWE-88, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an eval() context. The attack chain typically involves an attacker crafting a URL with a malicious payload in the level parameter, which is then processed by the vulnerable application, resulting in the execution of arbitrary code on the target server. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated scanning tools and malicious actors seeking to compromise web servers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with extensive capabilities to compromise the entire web infrastructure. Successful exploitation can result in complete server takeover, data exfiltration, and the deployment of backdoors or additional malware. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system, potentially leading to service disruption, data loss, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Organizations running Ossigeno CMS 2.2 alpha3 are at significant risk of becoming part of botnet command and control networks, as compromised servers can be used to launch further attacks against other systems. This vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to execution through web shell deployment and privilege escalation through code injection techniques. The impact is amplified by the fact that the vulnerability exists in a core component of the CMS, meaning that even if other security measures are in place, this flaw can serve as a bypass mechanism for attackers.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input validation and parameter sanitization. The primary remediation involves implementing strict input validation for all parameters passed to file inclusion functions, ensuring that only predefined, trusted values are accepted. Organizations should apply the latest security patches provided by the CMS vendor, if available, or consider implementing a web application firewall that can detect and block malicious requests targeting this specific vulnerability. Additionally, the application should be configured to disable remote file inclusion capabilities entirely, as this feature is rarely necessary for legitimate operations. Security teams should implement comprehensive monitoring and logging of file inclusion operations to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews to identify similar flaws in other components of the application stack. Organizations should consider implementing least privilege principles for web server accounts and ensure that all web applications are regularly updated to address known vulnerabilities. This particular vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the software development lifecycle to prevent such flaws from reaching production environments.