CVE-2007-5599 in awrate
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in awrate 1.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the toroot parameter to (1) 404.php or (2) topbar.php, different vectors than CVE-2006-6368.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5599 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting the awrate 1.0 application, specifically targeting PHP implementations that fail to properly validate user input. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of the toroot parameter within two distinct files: 404.php and topbar.php, creating multiple attack vectors for malicious actors seeking to execute arbitrary PHP code remotely. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input sanitization and proper parameter validation that has been documented in various security frameworks including CWE-98, which categorizes improper input validation leading to remote file inclusion attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the application's failure to sanitize the toroot parameter before using it in file inclusion operations. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the value for the toroot parameter, the application processes this input without proper validation, allowing the execution of remote code through the include or require functions. This creates a pathway for attackers to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote file inclusion to execute malicious code on target systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within a network. The presence of multiple vectors through 404.php and topbar.php increases the attack surface and makes the exploitation more likely to succeed in various scenarios. This vulnerability type commonly leads to data breaches, system compromise, and can be leveraged to deploy additional malware or create backdoors. Organizations running affected versions of awrate 1.0 face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data loss.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5599 should focus on immediate patching of the affected application to version 1.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for input validation. System administrators should implement proper input sanitization measures, including the use of allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives set to false in php.ini configuration files. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules that prevent suspicious URL patterns from being processed can provide additional layers of protection. Network segmentation and monitoring for unusual file inclusion patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the CERT/CC secure coding guidelines, particularly regarding input validation and proper file inclusion handling. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools to identify similar issues in other applications and maintain up-to-date security patches across all systems.