CVE-2007-2072 in Ivan Gallery Script
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in Ivan Gallery Script 0.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the dir parameter. NOTE: this issue has been disputed by third party researchers for 0.3, stating that the dir variable is properly initialized before use.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2072 represents a classic remote file inclusion flaw that could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. This issue was identified in the Ivan Gallery Script version 0.1, specifically within the index.php file where a dir parameter is processed. The vulnerability arises from improper input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code remotely.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the script's failure to properly validate or sanitize the dir parameter before using it in file inclusion operations. When a user provides a URL in the dir parameter, the application directly incorporates this input into file system operations without adequate security checks. This pattern of insecure parameter handling aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper file inclusion vulnerabilities where user-controllable input is used to determine which file to include or execute. The flaw essentially allows attackers to manipulate the application's execution flow by injecting malicious file paths or URLs that point to remote code repositories.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to affected systems as it enables remote code execution capabilities that could be exploited for various malicious purposes. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to upload and execute malware, establish backdoors, or gain unauthorized access to system resources. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to potentially compromise entire server infrastructures, especially when the vulnerable application runs with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability typically falls under the ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities and T1059 for command and scripting interpreters, as it allows adversaries to execute arbitrary commands through the PHP interpreter.
The disputed nature of this vulnerability, as noted in the description, indicates that third-party researchers have challenged the original assessment by claiming that the dir variable is properly initialized before use. This discrepancy highlights the importance of thorough vulnerability verification and the potential for misinterpretation in security research. However, regardless of the disputed status, the potential for exploitation remains a concern for systems running the vulnerable version of Ivan Gallery Script. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in application design.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied parameters are validated against a strict whitelist of acceptable values and that any file inclusion operations use absolute paths rather than user-controllable inputs. Additionally, disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP configuration and implementing proper access controls can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. The recommended approach aligns with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and emphasizes the importance of defense-in-depth strategies that combine multiple layers of protection to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited successfully.