Source: cve@mitre.org
code.php3 in Phorum 3.0.7 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files in the phorum directory via the query string.
Phorum 3.0.7 is vulnerable to a critical arbitrary file read vulnerability. Attackers can leverage this flaw to access sensitive information, including configuration files and potentially database credentials, leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability allows for the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data residing on the server.
Step 1: Identify Target: The attacker identifies a Phorum 3.0.7 installation.
Step 2: Craft Payload: The attacker constructs a malicious URL containing a query string that specifies the target file to read (e.g., code.php3?file=../config.php).
Step 3: Send Request: The attacker sends the crafted URL to the vulnerable Phorum server.
Step 4: Exploit Execution: The code.php3 script, due to the lack of input validation, processes the query string and attempts to read the specified file.
Step 5: Data Exfiltration: The server returns the contents of the requested file (e.g., config.php) to the attacker, allowing them to view sensitive information.
The vulnerability stems from a lack of input validation in code.php3. Specifically, the script fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input provided via the query string when accessing files within the phorum directory. This allows an attacker to specify an arbitrary filename, bypassing security checks and reading the contents of any file accessible to the web server user. The root cause is the absence of proper file path validation and sanitization, leading to a path traversal vulnerability. The script directly uses the user-controlled input to construct the file path without verifying its validity or restricting access to authorized files. This lack of input validation allows for the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data.
While no specific APTs are definitively linked to this specific CVE, the ease of exploitation makes it a prime target for opportunistic attackers and could be incorporated into broader attack campaigns. This vulnerability is not listed on the CISA KEV at this time, but its age and severity warrant consideration for inclusion.
Monitor web server access logs for suspicious requests to code.php3 with query strings containing file paths outside the expected directory.
Implement file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized changes to critical files like configuration files.
Analyze network traffic for unusual HTTP requests targeting the vulnerable script.
Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to block requests containing path traversal attempts.
Look for the presence of known malicious user agents or patterns in web server logs.
Upgrade to a patched version of Phorum or a version that is no longer vulnerable. (Phorum 5.2.23 and later)
Implement input validation to sanitize all user-supplied input, ensuring that file paths are properly validated and restricted to the intended directory.
Restrict file access permissions to the minimum necessary for the web server user.
Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter malicious requests.
Regularly audit and review web server configurations and access logs.