CVE-2007-6324 in CityWriter
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in head.php in CityWriter 0.9.7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6324 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the CityWriter content management system version 0.9.7. This vulnerability exists within the head.php file and stems from improper input validation mechanisms that fail to sanitize user-supplied URL parameters. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious URLs through the path parameter, which are then executed within the PHP runtime environment. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of file inclusion operations where user input is not properly validated or escaped. This weakness creates a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the insecure handling of the path parameter within the CityWriter application's head.php file. When the application processes user input through this parameter without proper validation, it allows attackers to supply malicious URLs that get included and executed as PHP code. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be leveraged through HTTP requests containing specially crafted URLs in the path parameter. Attackers can utilize this flaw to execute commands on the web server, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data, modifying content, or establishing persistent backdoors. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in software to gain unauthorized access to systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-6324 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a means to establish persistent access to the affected system. Once exploited, attackers can upload additional malicious files, create new user accounts, or manipulate existing content to serve as a foothold for further attacks. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the web application, potentially exposing sensitive information stored within the CityWriter system. Organizations running affected versions of CityWriter face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations due to the exposure of critical system resources. The vulnerability also impacts the availability of the web service, as attackers can potentially cause denial of service conditions through malicious code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-6324 require immediate implementation of several security controls to protect affected systems. The primary recommendation involves updating to a patched version of CityWriter that addresses the remote file inclusion vulnerability. Organizations should also implement input validation and sanitization measures to ensure that all user-supplied parameters are properly validated before processing. The application should enforce strict whitelisting of allowed file paths and reject any input that contains suspicious URL patterns or protocols. Network-level defenses including web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems should be configured to detect and block requests containing malicious URL patterns. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough security assessments of all web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities, as this type of flaw is commonly found in legacy systems that lack proper security controls. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security principles.