CVE-2007-5565 in phpSCMS
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/functions.php in phpSCMS 0.0.1-Alpha1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the dir parameter. NOTE: this issue is disputed by CVE because the identified code is in a function that is not accessible via direct request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5565 pertains to a remote file inclusion flaw discovered in the phpSCMS content management system version 0.0.1-Alpha1. This issue resides within the includes/functions.php file where a directory parameter named 'dir' is processed without adequate validation, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code remotely. The vulnerability represents a classic remote code execution vector that could potentially allow attackers to gain unauthorized control over the affected system. According to the official CVE entry, this vulnerability is marked as disputed due to the specific nature of the code path that would be exploited. The identified function containing the flaw is not directly accessible through normal HTTP requests, which complicates the assessment of its true exploitability and severity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the application's file inclusion mechanism. When the 'dir' parameter is passed to the functions.php file, the application fails to sanitize or validate the input before using it in a file inclusion operation. This creates a condition where an attacker could manipulate the parameter to point to malicious remote files hosted on external servers, thereby enabling remote code execution. The flaw aligns with CWE-94, which describes the weakness of allowing arbitrary code execution through improper input handling. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires an attacker to have knowledge of the target system's configuration and potentially access to a remote server to host malicious payloads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it could potentially lead to complete system compromise. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could upload malicious files, escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The fact that the vulnerable function is not directly accessible via HTTP requests suggests that exploitation might require additional steps such as finding an entry point that eventually leads to this function, making the attack more complex but not impossible. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1190, which involves using remote services to gain access to systems, and represents a significant security risk for any organization using the affected software version.
The disputed nature of this CVE highlights important considerations for vulnerability assessment and classification. While the vulnerability exists in the codebase, the specific conditions required for exploitation may not align with standard threat models, leading to questions about its actual risk level. Organizations should carefully evaluate whether their specific configurations or attack surface would make this vulnerability exploitable. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in application design. Security practitioners should implement multiple layers of defense including web application firewalls, input sanitization, and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, this case illustrates the need for thorough vulnerability analysis that considers not just the presence of code flaws, but also the practical attack paths and accessibility of those flaws within real-world environments. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor input handling issues can have significant security implications when combined with other factors such as system configuration, network exposure, and attacker capabilities.