CVE-2015-7381 in Web Reference Database
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in install.php in Web Reference Database (aka refbase) through 0.9.6 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the (1) pathToMYSQL or (2) databaseStructureFile parameter, a different issue than CVE-2015-6008.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7381 represents a critical remote code execution flaw discovered in the Web Reference Database (refbase) software version 0.9.6 and earlier. This issue affects the installation script install.php which is designed to facilitate the setup process for the reference database system. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the installation routine, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The flaw specifically manifests in two distinct parameter injection points: pathToMYSQL and databaseStructureFile, both of which are processed without adequate security controls to prevent unauthorized code execution.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes the weakness of executing arbitrary code or commands, and represents a classic example of a remote file inclusion vulnerability that allows attackers to manipulate the application's execution flow. The technical implementation of this flaw occurs when the install.php script accepts user-provided input through the affected parameters and directly incorporates this input into file inclusion operations without proper sanitization or validation. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious input that points to remote files or includes malicious code within the database structure files, thereby enabling remote code execution capabilities. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it occurs during the installation phase, which is often when systems are least protected and administrators may be performing the setup with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7381 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain full control over the affected web server, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive database information, modification of reference data, or even the establishment of persistent backdoors within the system. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or prior authentication credentials to exploit it, making it particularly attractive to malicious actors. Additionally, the vulnerability affects the installation process itself, which could allow attackers to compromise the integrity of the entire software deployment, potentially affecting multiple systems if the vulnerable software is widely deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7381 should focus on immediate patching of the affected software to version 0.9.7 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and sanitization of the affected parameters. Organizations should also implement network-level controls such as firewall rules that restrict access to installation scripts and sensitive system components. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that installation processes run with minimal required permissions and that the installation directory is properly secured. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file inclusion patterns or attempts to access remote resources through the affected parameters. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other instances of similar vulnerabilities within their software stack and ensure that all web applications implement proper input validation and sanitization techniques as recommended by the OWASP Top Ten and other industry security standards. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user inputs and implementing secure coding practices, particularly in installation and configuration scripts that may be exposed to untrusted users.