CVE-2007-2005 in TaskHopper
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in the Taskhopper 1.1 component for Mambo and Joomla! allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter to (1) contact_type.php, (2) itemstatus_type.php, (3) projectstatus_type.php, (4) request_type.php, (5) responses_type.php, (6) timelog_type.php, or (7) urgency_type.php in inc/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2005 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting the Taskhopper 1.1 component within Mambo and Joomla! content management systems. This vulnerability resides in the way the application processes user-supplied input through the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter, which is utilized in multiple PHP files within the inc/ directory. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious URLs that are then executed as PHP code on the target server, creating a significant security risk for organizations using these vulnerable components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the affected PHP scripts. When the application processes the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter without adequate validation, it fails to verify that the provided URL points to a legitimate local resource. This lack of input filtering creates an opportunity for attackers to inject remote URLs that contain malicious PHP code. The vulnerability affects seven specific files including contact_type.php, itemstatus_type.php, projectstatus_type.php, request_type.php, responses_type.php, timelog_type.php, and urgency_type.php, all of which are located in the inc/ directory of the Taskhopper component.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to web application security as it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload and execute arbitrary code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple code execution as it can facilitate data theft, service disruption, and the establishment of persistent backdoors. Organizations using vulnerable versions of Mambo or Joomla! with the Taskhopper component face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes the weakness of allowing execution of arbitrary code, and represents a classic example of insecure direct object reference that can be exploited through remote file inclusion techniques.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically follows a pattern where attackers craft malicious URLs containing PHP web shells or other malicious payloads and inject them through the vulnerable parameter. This approach enables attackers to execute commands on the server with the privileges of the web application, potentially leading to full system compromise. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it represents an attack vector through web applications. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameter sanitization, and the removal of vulnerable components from production environments. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping CMS platforms and their components updated, as many of these issues can be resolved through proper patch management and security hardening practices.