CVE-2007-5409 in NuSEO PHP Enterprise
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in admin/nuseo_admin_d.php in NuSEO PHP Enterprise 1.6 (NuSEO.PHP), when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the nuseo_dir parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5409 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the NuSEO PHP Enterprise 1.6 web application. This issue specifically affects the admin/nuseo_admin_d.php file where improper input validation allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs into the nuseo_dir parameter. The vulnerability becomes exploitable when the PHP configuration has register_globals enabled, a deprecated feature that automatically converts GET, POST, and cookie variables into global variables. This configuration oversight creates a dangerous attack surface where attacker-controlled input can directly influence the application's execution flow.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression. When register_globals is enabled, the nuseo_dir parameter becomes directly accessible as a global variable, bypassing normal input sanitization mechanisms. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that, when passed through the nuseo_dir parameter, cause the PHP application to include and execute remote code from external servers. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of CWE-94, representing arbitrary code execution through insecure dynamic code generation, and demonstrates the dangerous implications of legacy PHP configurations that should never be used in production environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this flaw can gain unauthorized access to the web server, potentially leading to data breaches, system infiltration, and further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it requires minimal reconnaissance to identify and exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where legacy configurations persist. This type of vulnerability is categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as T1059.007, representing the execution of code through PHP scripts, and demonstrates how insecure parameter handling can lead to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5409 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary recommendation involves disabling register_globals in the PHP configuration, which immediately eliminates the attack vector by preventing automatic variable injection. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization techniques should be enforced throughout the application, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters undergo rigorous validation before processing. The application should utilize include functions with predefined, validated paths rather than accepting dynamic URL inputs. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious parameter injection attempts, while establishing comprehensive monitoring systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and avoiding deprecated PHP configurations that create unnecessary security risks.