CVE-2007-2158 in jGallery
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in jGallery 1.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the G_JGALL[inc_path] parameter.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2158 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the jGallery 1.3 web application, specifically within the index.php file. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the target system. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input passed through the G_JGALL[inc_path] parameter, allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs that are then included and executed as PHP code. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous as they enable attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain full control over the affected web server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to validate or sanitize the inc_path parameter before using it in file inclusion operations. When a user provides a URL through this parameter, the application directly incorporates it into the include statement without proper sanitization or validation checks. This behavior aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper input validation leading to inclusion of files from untrusted sources. The vulnerability creates a direct code execution vector where attackers can leverage the remote file inclusion to load malicious PHP scripts hosted on external servers, effectively turning the vulnerable application into a conduit for remote code execution. The attack requires minimal privileges as it operates entirely through web-based requests, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data breaches. Attackers can use this vulnerability to upload backdoors, establish persistent access, steal sensitive information, or use the compromised server for further attacks against other systems. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected web application and potentially the entire hosting environment. From an attacker's perspective, this represents a high-value target within the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1190 technique for Exploit Public-Facing Application, and the T1059.007 sub-technique for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as it enables the execution of arbitrary commands on the target system. Organizations running vulnerable versions of jGallery face significant risk of unauthorized access, data exfiltration, and potential use as a launchpad for broader network attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected jGallery 1.3 application to the latest available version that addresses this specific flaw. System administrators should implement input validation and sanitization measures to ensure that all user-supplied parameters undergo proper validation before being used in file operations. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting file inclusion operations to only trusted local paths and implementing proper access controls. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify other potential instances of similar vulnerabilities within their web applications. Additionally, implementing proper logging and monitoring mechanisms can help detect exploitation attempts and provide forensic evidence for incident response activities. Regular security updates and vulnerability management processes are essential to prevent similar issues from arising in the future, as this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in web application security.