CVE-2007-6396 in Flat PHP Board
Summary
by MITRE
Direct static code injection vulnerability in index.php in Flat PHP Board 1.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary PHP code via the (1) username, (2) password, and (3) email parameters when registering a user account, which can be executed by accessing the user s php file for this account. NOTE: similar code injection might be possible in a user profile.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2024
The CVE-2007-6396 vulnerability represents a critical direct static code injection flaw in Flat PHP Board version 1.2 and earlier systems. This vulnerability exists within the index.php file's user registration process, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code through carefully crafted input parameters. The flaw specifically affects three user input fields during account creation: username, password, and email parameters, making it particularly dangerous as it targets fundamental user registration functionality that all system users interact with during the account creation process.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes the weakness of executing arbitrary code or commands, and more specifically with CWE-74, which addresses injection flaws where untrusted data is sent to an interpreter as part of a command or query. The vulnerability operates by directly incorporating user-supplied input into PHP code execution without proper sanitization or validation, allowing attackers to inject malicious PHP code that gets executed when the user's account information is accessed. This creates a persistent threat vector where malicious code can be stored in the system and executed whenever the affected user account is accessed, potentially providing attackers with complete control over the compromised account and its associated functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code injection, as it enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including but not limited to privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and system compromise. When an attacker successfully injects PHP code through the registration process, they can create persistent backdoors, steal sensitive user information, modify database contents, or even establish command and control channels. The vulnerability's persistence is particularly concerning because the injected code remains active until manually removed, potentially allowing attackers to maintain long-term access to the system. Additionally, the attack surface is broad as it affects any user registration functionality, meaning that even legitimate users could become unwitting participants in the attack chain if they use compromised accounts.
The attack pattern associated with this vulnerability follows the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP," where adversaries leverage PHP execution capabilities to run malicious code. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious payloads in the registration form fields that contain PHP code, submitting the registration request, and then accessing the user's profile or account page to trigger the execution. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the Flat PHP Board software to version 1.3 or later, implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied data, and employing output encoding to prevent code execution. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls, conducting regular security assessments, and establishing proper access controls to limit the potential damage from such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and serves as a reminder of how seemingly simple functionality can become a gateway for sophisticated attacks when proper security controls are not implemented.