CVE-2007-1999 in Weatimages
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in Weatimages 1.7.1 and earlier, when weatimages.ini is missing, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the ini[langpack] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1999 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Weatimages content management system version 1.7.1 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and dynamic file inclusion mechanisms within the application's core functionality. The flaw specifically manifests when the weatimages.ini configuration file is absent from the system, creating a dangerous condition where user-supplied input can directly influence the file inclusion process. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote attackers to inject malicious PHP code through the ini[langpack] parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the ini[langpack] parameter within the index.php script. When the system attempts to load language pack configurations and the primary configuration file is missing, the application defaults to processing the user-provided language parameter directly in a file inclusion context. This creates an environment where an attacker can inject a URL pointing to a remote malicious script, which gets executed on the target server. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically highlighting the dangerous interaction between user input and dynamic code execution. The flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web application, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to establish persistent access to the affected system. Once exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to upload additional malicious components, modify existing files, or even use the compromised server as a launchpad for further attacks against networked systems. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploitation of remote services, and T1059, which involves execution through command and scripting interpreters. The lack of proper input validation and the absence of a secure fallback mechanism when configuration files are missing creates a fundamental security weakness that can be leveraged for privilege escalation and data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of multiple defensive layers. Organizations should first ensure that all affected Weatimages installations are upgraded to versions that properly validate input parameters and implement secure file inclusion practices. The application should be configured to reject any user-supplied input that could influence file paths, with strict validation and sanitization of all parameters. Implementing a whitelist approach for language pack selection would prevent arbitrary URL inclusion, while proper error handling should be implemented to avoid exposing system information. Security headers and web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious parameter values, particularly those containing URL patterns or unusual characters. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining proper configuration files and implementing regular security audits to ensure that fallback mechanisms do not create security holes. Additionally, network segmentation and access control measures should be employed to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual file inclusion patterns or unauthorized code execution attempts.