CVE-2007-1108 in CS-Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in Christian Schneider CS-Gallery 2.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the album parameter during a securealbum todo action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1108 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Christian Schneider CS-Gallery 2.0 web application, which operates under the broader category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution vulnerabilities. This weakness exists within the index.php script where the album parameter is processed without proper input validation or sanitization, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The vulnerability specifically manifests during the securealbum todo action, indicating that the flaw is not present in all application functionalities but rather in a particular operational context where user input is directly incorporated into server-side file operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations. When an attacker provides a URL in the album parameter, the application treats this input as a legitimate file path and attempts to include it, allowing for remote code execution. This flaw aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper control of code generation, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to severe security consequences. The vulnerability operates under the principle that user-controllable parameters are directly used in include or require statements without adequate security checks, making it particularly dangerous in web applications where user input is expected and processed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server. Once exploited, an attacker can execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, modify content, or even establish persistent backdoors within the system. This type of vulnerability can be leveraged for various malicious activities including data theft, service disruption, and as a foothold for further network infiltration. The vulnerability's presence in the securealbum todo action suggests that it may be particularly concerning for applications that handle sensitive user data or operate in environments where unauthorized access could lead to significant business or security implications. The attack vector requires minimal sophistication and can be executed through standard web browser interactions, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization techniques to ensure that user-provided parameters cannot be used to influence file inclusion operations. This includes implementing allowlists of acceptable values, using secure coding practices such as the principle of least privilege, and avoiding direct user input in file inclusion operations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms to detect and block malicious requests. The remediation process should include updating to the latest version of the CS-Gallery application where this vulnerability has been patched, along with comprehensive code review and security testing to identify similar flaws in other application components. Additionally, implementing proper logging and monitoring mechanisms can help detect exploitation attempts and provide forensic evidence for incident response activities. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing remote code execution attacks, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1190 for exploit public-facing application.