CVE-2007-5294 in IDMOS
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in core/aural.php in IDMOS 1.0-beta (aka Phoenix) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the site_absolute_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5294 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the IDMOS 1.0-beta (also known as Phoenix) content management system. This vulnerability exists within the core/aural.php file and demonstrates a classic path traversal attack vector that enables malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input passed through the site_absolute_path parameter, creating an opportunity for remote code execution that can compromise the entire web server infrastructure.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. The technical implementation of this flaw occurs when the application uses user-controllable input to construct file paths without adequate sanitization or validation, allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs that are then processed by the PHP interpreter. The site_absolute_path parameter serves as the attack vector where remote threat actors can inject URLs pointing to malicious PHP scripts hosted on external servers, effectively bypassing local file access controls and executing unauthorized code with the privileges of the web server process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server. Once exploited, threat actors can establish persistent backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify website content, and potentially use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of the web application, as attackers can manipulate or destroy data stored within the system. Additionally, the attack surface is particularly concerning because it allows for arbitrary code execution without requiring authentication, making it a high-severity issue that can be exploited by anyone with access to the vulnerable application interface.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary fix involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Organizations should employ allow-list validation techniques that restrict input to predefined safe values rather than relying on blacklisting approaches that can be bypassed. Additionally, the application should be configured to disable remote file inclusion features entirely, using php.ini settings such as allow_url_include = Off to prevent the execution of remote files. Security practitioners should also implement proper access controls, regular security audits, and application firewalls to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege, as demonstrated by the ATT&CK framework's emphasis on privilege escalation and code execution techniques that leverage such flaws. Organizations must also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools to identify similar issues in legacy applications and ensure that all input parameters are properly validated before being processed by the application's core components.