CVE-2007-0200 in Axiom Photo News Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in template.php in Geoffrey Golliher Axiom Photo/News Gallery (axiompng) 0.8.6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the baseAxiomPath parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-0200 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Geoffrey Golliher Axiom Photo/News Gallery version 0.8.6 web application. This vulnerability exists in the template.php file and specifically targets the baseAxiomPath parameter, which is used to define the base path for the application's template files. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data from being directly incorporated into file inclusion operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of the baseAxiomPath parameter, which allows attackers to inject malicious URLs that are then processed by the PHP include or require functions. When an attacker supplies a URL as the baseAxiomPath parameter, the application does not validate or sanitize this input before using it in file inclusion operations, creating an opportunity for arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-98, which specifically addresses improper restriction of operations within a recognized blacklist, and more broadly maps to CWE-88 which covers improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server with the privileges of the web application. This remote code execution capability enables attackers to gain full control over the affected system, potentially leading to data breaches, server compromise, and further lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication or prior access to the system, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation campaigns. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, both of which are commonly observed in real-world exploitation scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate fix involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Developers should employ whitelisting approaches where possible, restricting input to predefined safe values rather than allowing arbitrary user input. Additionally, the application should be configured to disable remote file inclusion features entirely by setting the allow_url_include directive to off in the php.ini configuration file. Security patches should be applied immediately to upgrade to versions that address this vulnerability, as the affected version 0.8.6 is no longer supported and likely contains additional undiscovered vulnerabilities. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth, though they should not be relied upon as the sole mitigation strategy. Organizations should also implement proper code review processes that specifically examine file inclusion operations for potential security flaws, ensuring that similar vulnerabilities are not introduced in future development cycles. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when such fundamental security measures are omitted from software development practices.