CVE-2007-1699 in Swmenu Component
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in the SWmenu (com_swmenupro and com_swmenufree) 4.0 component for Mambo and Joomla! allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter to ImageManager/Classes/ImageManager.php under the (1) components/ or (2) administrator/components/ directory trees.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1699 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting the SWmenu component ecosystem within Mambo and Joomla! content management systems. This vulnerability specifically impacts versions 4.0 of the com_swmenupro and com_swmenufree components, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw exists within the ImageManager/Classes/ImageManager.php file, which processes user-supplied input through the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter, demonstrating a classic example of insecure input handling that has been documented in various security frameworks including CWE-88 and CWE-94.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter to include a remote URL containing malicious PHP code. This parameter is processed within the ImageManager.php file located in both the components/ and administrator/components/ directory trees, allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web application. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of user input, where the application fails to sanitize or properly escape the absolute path parameter before using it in file inclusion operations. This flaw directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote file inclusion attacks to execute malicious code on target systems. The vulnerability's impact is exacerbated by the fact that it affects both frontend and administrator components, potentially providing attackers with elevated privileges and broader system access.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-1699 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data breaches. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive information, or deploy additional malware within the compromised environment. The vulnerability affects both Mambo and Joomla! platforms, with the potential to impact thousands of websites running vulnerable versions of these content management systems. The flaw's presence in the administrator/components/ directory tree is particularly concerning as it could provide attackers with access to administrative functions and potentially full system control. Organizations running affected versions face significant risk of unauthorized access and data compromise, as the vulnerability allows for the execution of arbitrary PHP code without requiring authentication or specific user interaction.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1699 should focus on immediate patching and input validation improvements. System administrators should upgrade to patched versions of the SWmenu components, or implement proper input sanitization to prevent the inclusion of external URLs in the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter. The implementation of web application firewalls and proper parameter validation can provide additional protection layers. Organizations should also consider restricting file inclusion operations and implementing proper access controls to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous file inclusion patterns, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the CMS ecosystem. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, particularly when dealing with file operations and user-supplied data in web applications.