CVE-2007-0836 in Photo Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
admin.php in Coppermine Photo Gallery 1.4.10, and possibly earlier, allows remote authenticated users to include arbitrary local and possibly remote files via the (1) "Path to custom header include" and (2) "Path to custom footer include" form fields. NOTE: The provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0836 affects Coppermine Photo Gallery version 1.4.10 and potentially earlier versions, representing a critical remote code execution risk through insecure file inclusion mechanisms. This flaw resides in the administrative interface's handling of custom header and footer include paths, where authenticated users can manipulate form fields to inject arbitrary local or remote file paths. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the admin.php script, which directly incorporates user-supplied paths without proper security checks. The issue falls under CWE-98, which specifically addresses the inclusion of code from external sources, making it a classic example of insecure file inclusion that can lead to arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited by authenticated attackers who have administrative privileges, though the impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to full system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of form fields that control where the application looks for custom header and footer files during page rendering. When an attacker submits malicious paths through these fields, the application processes these inputs without adequate validation, leading to potential inclusion of arbitrary files from the local filesystem or remote servers. The attack vector demonstrates a clear path to remote code execution when the included files contain malicious code, particularly when the application runs with sufficient privileges to access system resources. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003, which covers server-side include attacks, and represents a sophisticated exploitation pathway that leverages legitimate application functionality for malicious purposes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft or modification, as it can result in complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. An authenticated attacker with administrative privileges can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, establish persistent access, and potentially escalate privileges to system level access. The risk is particularly severe because it requires only administrative access, which is often less tightly controlled than system-level credentials. Organizations using affected Coppermine versions face significant exposure to data breaches, system takeover, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability also represents a potential entry point for attackers seeking to establish footholds in environments where administrative access might be limited but still valuable for further exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures, including strict path validation and the use of allowlists for acceptable file paths. Organizations should implement proper access controls and privilege separation to minimize the impact of potential exploitation, ensuring that administrative functions are not accessible to untrusted users. The recommended remediation involves upgrading to a patched version of Coppermine Photo Gallery, as the vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases through proper input validation mechanisms. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications, particularly those involving dynamic file inclusion or path manipulation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user inputs and implementing proper security controls around file inclusion mechanisms, which aligns with security best practices outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks and standards.