CVE-2007-2575 in Vm Watermark
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in watermark.php in the vm (aka Jean-Francois Laflamme) watermark 0.4.1 mod for Gallery allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the GALLERY_BASEDIR parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2575 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the vm watermark module version 0.4.1 for the Gallery content management system. This vulnerability resides in the watermark.php script and stems from improper input validation mechanisms that fail to sanitize user-supplied parameters before incorporating them into file system operations. The specific parameter of concern is GALLERY_BASEDIR, which when manipulated by an attacker can lead to arbitrary code execution on the target server. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-98 category, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter."
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and injects it into the GALLERY_BASEDIR parameter, which is then processed by the watermark.php script without adequate sanitization. The vulnerable code likely performs a direct file inclusion operation using the user-provided parameter, allowing the attacker to specify a remote URL containing malicious PHP code. When the Gallery application processes this request, it executes the remote code as if it were part of the local application, effectively granting the attacker complete control over the server. This vulnerability demonstrates a classic path traversal and code injection flaw where the application fails to validate the source and content of included files, creating an attack surface that can be exploited to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate data, or escalate privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to compromise entire web applications and underlying server infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deploy web shells, conduct data breaches, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects systems running Gallery with the vm watermark module version 0.4.1, making it particularly concerning for organizations that have not updated their Gallery installations. This flaw represents a significant security risk that can result in complete system compromise, data loss, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal reconnaissance and can be exploited through standard web application attack methods, making it a preferred target for automated exploitation tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2575 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary and most effective mitigation is to upgrade to a patched version of the Gallery application and the vm watermark module, which should include proper input validation and sanitization of the GALLERY_BASEDIR parameter. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing suspicious characters or patterns that could indicate malicious intent. The implementation of a web application firewall can provide additional protection by filtering out suspicious requests containing remote URL references in file inclusion parameters. Security configurations should enforce the use of absolute paths and disable remote file inclusion features within PHP applications. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other components of the web application stack. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and monitoring for unusual file inclusion patterns can help detect exploitation attempts before they succeed. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding practices such as input validation, output encoding, and principle of least privilege, which are fundamental to preventing similar remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in the future.