CVE-2007-5914 in JBC Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Direct static code injection vulnerability in dirsys/modules/config/post.php in JBC Explorer 7.20 RC1 and earlier allows remote authenticated administrators to inject arbitrary PHP code via the DEBUG parameter, which can be executed by accessing config.inc.php. NOTE: this can be exploited by unauthenticated remote attackers by leveraging CVE-2007-5913.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5914 represents a critical direct static code injection flaw within the JBC Explorer web application version 7.20 RC1 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the directory system modules configuration component, specifically in the post.php file located at dirsys/modules/config/post.php. The flaw manifests as a code injection vulnerability that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code through the DEBUG parameter, creating a significant security risk for systems utilizing this software. The vulnerability operates by directly incorporating user-supplied input into executable PHP code without proper sanitization or validation, enabling attackers to execute malicious code within the context of the web application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and code execution practices within the application's configuration handling mechanism. When an authenticated administrator accesses the configuration interface and provides malicious input through the DEBUG parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize this input before incorporating it into the execution flow. This oversight creates a pathway for code injection that can be exploited to execute arbitrary PHP commands. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the administrative privileges of authenticated users, but as noted in the description, it can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers through the use of CVE-2007-5913, which likely provides a means to bypass authentication requirements. The injection occurs in a context where the code is directly executed, making the impact immediate and potentially devastating.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system with the privileges of the web server process. This can result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and persistence mechanisms being established. The vulnerability affects the config.inc.php file, which serves as a critical configuration component, potentially allowing attackers to modify system settings, access sensitive data, or even install backdoors. The ability to execute code remotely without requiring system-level access makes this vulnerability particularly attractive to attackers and aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the code injection and privilege escalation tactics. Organizations running affected versions of JBC Explorer face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5914 require immediate attention and multiple layers of defense to protect against exploitation. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of JBC Explorer that addresses this vulnerability, as the software vendor would have implemented proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems, while enabling web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious parameter values. Additionally, input validation should be enforced at multiple levels including application code, database interfaces, and network boundaries to prevent injection attacks. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in configuration file access or execution of unexpected code. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper control of generation of code, and represents a classic example of a code injection vulnerability that requires robust defense-in-depth strategies. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications and ensure comprehensive protection against similar attack vectors.