CVE-2007-2706 in Media Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in maint/ftpmedia.php in Media Gallery 1.4.8a and earlier for Geeklog allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the _MG_CONF[path_html] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2706 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Media Gallery component of Geeklog version 1.4.8a and earlier installations. This issue resides in the maint/ftpmedia.php script where user-controllable input is improperly validated and directly incorporated into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability manifests when the _MG_CONF[path_html] parameter receives a malicious URL value that triggers remote code execution through PHP's include or require functions. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an eval-like context, and more broadly aligns with CWE-94, representing improper execution of code due to inadequate input validation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the _MG_CONF[path_html] parameter to the ftpmedia.php script. When the application processes this parameter without proper sanitization, PHP's include mechanism attempts to fetch and execute the remote file, thereby allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The operational impact is severe as this vulnerability can be leveraged to gain complete control over the affected web server, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and further lateral movement within network infrastructure. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for execution of malicious code through web applications.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it requires minimal user interaction beyond crafting a malicious URL, making it highly suitable for automated exploitation campaigns. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate execution capabilities but also presents a pathway for attackers to establish persistent access through backdoor installations or to escalate privileges within the compromised system. Organizations running affected versions of Geeklog should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, parameter sanitization, and removal of the vulnerable script from production environments. The remediation process should involve updating to the latest version of Geeklog that addresses this vulnerability, implementing proper web application firewall rules to block suspicious URL patterns, and conducting thorough security audits of all web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, this vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices including the principle of least privilege, input validation, and proper error handling to prevent similar issues in future development cycles.