CVE-2007-5628 in TOWels
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in src/scripture.php in The Online Web Library Site (TOWels) 0.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the pageHeaderFile parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5628 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Online Web Library Site version 0.1, specifically affecting the src/scripture.php component. This issue falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the target system. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input, particularly when processing the pageHeaderFile parameter that is used to include external script files. This weakness directly enables attackers to manipulate the application's behavior by injecting malicious URLs that point to remote resources containing harmful PHP code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the pageHeaderFile parameter within the scripture.php script, where the application directly incorporates user-provided URLs without adequate validation or sanitization. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the pageHeaderFile parameter, the application attempts to include and execute the remote file, effectively allowing the attacker to inject and run arbitrary PHP code on the vulnerable server. This type of vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution flaw under CWE-94, which specifically addresses the execution of code that is not properly validated or sanitized. The flaw demonstrates a classic case of unsafe dynamic code execution where user input is directly used to construct file inclusion paths.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5628 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breach scenarios. Successful exploitation allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to the web server, potentially leading to full system control, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload backdoors, establish command and control channels, or perform further reconnaissance within the network. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. This weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers the exploitation of remote services, and represents a common attack vector that has been frequently targeted in web application security assessments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate code-level issues and implement comprehensive input validation controls. The primary remediation involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Applications should employ allowlists of approved file paths or use a whitelist-based approach to verify that included files originate from trusted sources only. Additionally, disabling remote file inclusion features entirely and using local file inclusion with validated paths instead of dynamic URL parameters provides a more secure approach. Security measures should include implementing proper error handling to prevent information disclosure, using secure coding practices that avoid dynamic file inclusion with user input, and regularly updating and patching web applications to address known vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern.