CVE-2007-2043 in mosMedia
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in the Avant-Garde Solutions MOSMedia (com_mosmedia) 1.08 and earlier module for Mambo and Joomla! allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter to (1) media.tab.php or (2) media.divs.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2043 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Avant-Garde Solutions MOSMedia module version 1.08 and earlier for Mambo and Joomla! content management systems. This vulnerability exists due to improper input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters, specifically the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter that is processed in two distinct files: media.tab.php and media.divs.php. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs into the application's parameter handling mechanism, creating a pathway for remote code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically the improper handling of input that should be restricted to local paths but instead accepts remote URLs. This weakness enables attackers to manipulate the application's file inclusion logic by providing malicious URLs in the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter. When the application processes these parameters, it attempts to include and execute remote PHP files, effectively allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target server with the privileges of the web application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Once exploited, attackers can upload and execute malicious payloads, establish backdoors, and potentially escalate privileges to gain access to the underlying operating system. The vulnerability affects both Mambo and Joomla! platforms, which were widely used content management systems at the time, making the impact particularly significant. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability from any location without requiring physical access to the target system, and the lack of proper input validation creates an attack surface that can be easily exploited using standard web application penetration techniques.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote services to execute malicious code. Attackers typically craft malicious URLs that point to attacker-controlled servers hosting malicious PHP payloads, then inject these URLs through the vulnerable parameter. The attack chain involves initial reconnaissance to identify vulnerable installations, crafting of malicious payloads, and execution of the remote file inclusion attack. Organizations running affected versions of the MOSMedia module should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, parameter sanitization, and the removal or disabling of vulnerable components. Additionally, network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of keeping content management systems and third-party modules updated, as this issue was resolved in later versions of the MOSMedia module and the broader CMS platforms through proper input validation implementations.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper parameter validation and the dangers of allowing user input to directly influence file inclusion operations within web applications. The flaw represents a classic example of how insufficient input sanitization can lead to remote code execution, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools and malicious actors seeking to compromise web infrastructure. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in their web applications and ensure that all input parameters are properly validated and sanitized to prevent similar remote file inclusion attacks.