CVE-2007-5440 in CRS Manager
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in CRS Manager allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the DOCUMENT_ROOT parameter to (1) index.php or (2) login.php. NOTE: this issue is disputed by CVE, since DOCUMENT_ROOT cannot be modified by an attacker.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5440 pertains to multiple remote file inclusion flaws discovered in the CRS Manager application's handling of PHP parameters. This issue specifically targets the DOCUMENT_ROOT parameter within the index.php and login.php scripts, where attackers could potentially inject malicious URLs to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. According to the Common Weakness Enumeration, this weakness occurs when input is not properly sanitized before being used in dynamic code execution contexts, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate application behavior through crafted input parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the application's improper handling of the DOCUMENT_ROOT server variable, which typically contains the document root directory of the web server. When the CRS Manager application fails to properly validate or sanitize this parameter before using it in file inclusion operations, attackers can manipulate it to point to malicious remote resources. This creates a scenario where the application's file inclusion mechanism accepts attacker-controlled URLs and executes the code contained within them, effectively allowing remote code execution. The attack vector operates through HTTP requests that contain malicious URLs in the DOCUMENT_ROOT parameter, which are then processed by the vulnerable application components.
Security implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive system resources and data. The remote code execution capability allows threat actors to gain unauthorized access to the underlying server, potentially leading to full system compromise. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote services to execute code, and T1059, which covers the execution of commands through various interfaces. The impact on operational security can be severe, as successful exploitation could result in data breaches, system infiltration, and persistent access to the compromised environment. Organizations utilizing CRS Manager would face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where the application processes untrusted input from external sources.
While the CVE entry notes that this issue is disputed due to the fundamental nature of DOCUMENT_ROOT being a server variable that cannot be directly modified by attackers, the vulnerability analysis remains relevant from a defensive perspective. The disputed nature stems from the fact that DOCUMENT_ROOT is typically set by the web server configuration and not directly controllable by external input. However, the vulnerability may still manifest through indirect manipulation of related parameters or through specific server configurations where such control becomes possible. Effective mitigations should focus on implementing proper input validation, sanitization, and parameter handling within the application code. Security measures include disabling remote file inclusion features, implementing strict input validation for all user-supplied parameters, and ensuring that applications do not accept external URLs for file inclusion operations. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in application design to prevent similar issues from occurring in future implementations.