CVE-2007-6655 in Kontakt Formular
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/function.php in Kontakt Formular 1.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the root_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6655 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Kontakt Formular 1.4 web application component. This issue resides within the includes/function.php file where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input parameters. The vulnerability specifically affects the root_path parameter which is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without adequate security controls. This creates a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system by manipulating the URL parameter value.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows the classic remote file inclusion pattern where an attacker can craft a malicious URL and pass it as the root_path parameter to the vulnerable application. When the application processes this parameter and attempts to include the specified file, it executes the attacker-controlled code with the privileges of the web server process. This flaw directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and CWE-94, which covers execution of arbitrary code. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of input validation and sanitization in the application's parameter handling mechanisms, allowing attackers to bypass normal security boundaries and execute unauthorized code.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents severe security implications for affected systems. The remote code execution capability enables attackers to gain full control over the compromised server, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects web applications that rely on dynamic file inclusion without proper security controls, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where sensitive data is processed. Attackers can leverage this flaw to establish persistent access, install backdoors, or deploy additional malicious payloads. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include potential privilege escalation and system-wide compromise, as the web server typically operates with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching and input validation implementation. Organizations must apply the vendor-provided security updates to resolve the issue in Kontakt Formular 1.4. In the absence of patches, administrators should implement strict input validation for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The solution involves implementing whitelisting mechanisms for file paths and ensuring that all external inputs are properly sanitized before being processed. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by running web applications with minimal required permissions. Security controls should include web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious parameter values, and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through web shells and T1566 for initial access through web applications, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures.