CVE-2007-6088 in phpBBViet
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/functions_mod_user.php in phpBBViet 02.03.07 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the phpbb_root_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/11/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-6088 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the phpBBViet forum software ecosystem. This issue affects versions 02.03.07 and earlier, where the application fails to properly validate user input before incorporating files into the execution flow. The specific file function_mod_user.php contains a code path that directly uses the phpbb_root_path parameter without adequate sanitization, creating an exploitable condition that adversaries can leverage for code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which addresses the improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. This flaw operates under the principle that user-supplied input is directly concatenated into file paths without proper validation or encoding, enabling attackers to inject malicious URLs that get executed by the web server. The vulnerability exists in the application's file inclusion mechanism where the phpbb_root_path parameter is treated as trusted input, allowing remote attackers to specify arbitrary URLs that get included and executed as PHP code.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to affected systems as it enables full remote code execution capabilities for attackers. The impact extends beyond simple code injection to potentially allow complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and establishment of persistent backdoors. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, escalate privileges, and gain unauthorized access to the underlying server infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that phpBBViet was a popular forum software package, meaning that vulnerable installations would be widely distributed across various organizations and individuals.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows standard remote file inclusion attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under techniques related to remote code execution and privilege escalation. Security professionals should consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious URL patterns in web server logs and establish proper input validation mechanisms. The recommended mitigations include upgrading to patched versions of phpBBViet, implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, and applying web application firewalls to filter malicious requests. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that web applications run with minimal necessary permissions and that file inclusion operations are restricted to predefined safe directories. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential instances of similar flaws within their web applications and implement secure coding practices that prevent such vulnerabilities from occurring in future development cycles.