CVE-2007-6652 in XCMS
Summary
by MITRE
cpie.php in XCMS 1.83 and earlier sends a redirect to the web browser but does not exit, which allows remote attackers to conduct direct static code injection attacks and execute arbitrary code via the testo_0 parameter in a cpie admin action to index.php, which writes to dati/generali/footer.dtb (aka the XCMS footer).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-6652 represents a critical security flaw in XCMS version 1.83 and earlier, specifically within the cpie.php component. This issue manifests as a failure in proper code execution flow where the application sends a redirect response to the browser but fails to terminate the current script execution. The vulnerability occurs during administrative operations when processing the testo_0 parameter through the cpie admin action directed to index.php. The flaw enables attackers to inject static code directly into the application's execution path, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution. The attack vector specifically targets the dati/generali/footer.dtb file, which serves as the XCMS footer component where injected code gets written and subsequently executed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper script termination mechanisms within the cpie.php file. When an attacker manipulates the testo_0 parameter through the cpie admin action, the application processes this input without sufficient sanitization checks. The lack of proper exit() or die() statements after redirect operations creates a scenario where the malicious code injection can proceed uninterrupted, allowing attackers to write arbitrary code into the footer.dtb file. This behavior aligns with CWE-88, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, and CWE-94, which covers improper control of generation of code, both of which are relevant to the code injection aspects of this vulnerability. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves the execution of scripts, particularly in web applications where code injection occurs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected XCMS installation. Once successfully exploited, attackers can execute arbitrary commands on the web server, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors. The attack can be conducted remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. The injection occurs in the footer.dtb file, which means that every page load could execute the malicious code, creating a persistent threat that affects all users of the compromised system. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require complex attack chains, making it highly attractive to threat actors and increasing the potential for widespread compromise across multiple installations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-6652 should focus on immediate patching of the XCMS application to version 1.84 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and script termination procedures. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures that validate and filter all user-supplied parameters before processing, particularly those used in administrative functions. The application should be configured to properly terminate script execution after redirect operations, ensuring that no code execution continues beyond intended boundaries. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and restricting administrative access to trusted users only can significantly reduce the attack surface. Regular security audits should verify that similar vulnerabilities do not exist in other components of the application, as this type of flaw often indicates broader code quality issues that may affect other areas of the software. Network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious parameter patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include thorough testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in application functionality while maintaining the security improvements necessary to prevent the vulnerability from being exploited.