CVE-2007-2793 in Geeklog
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in ImageImageMagick.php in Geeklog 2.x allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the glConf[path_system] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2024
The CVE-2007-2793 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Geeklog content management system version 2.x, specifically within the ImageImageMagick.php component. This vulnerability arises from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data. The flaw occurs when the application accepts a URL through the glConf[path_system] parameter without adequate verification, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code execution payloads. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and specifically relates to code injection vulnerabilities that enable remote code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to manipulate the glConf[path_system] parameter to point to a malicious remote URL containing PHP code. When the application processes this parameter, it attempts to include the remote file, thereby executing the malicious code on the target server. This type of vulnerability represents a classic remote code execution vector that can be leveraged for complete system compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it allows for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the web server process, potentially enabling attackers to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or access sensitive system resources. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, "Exploit Public-Facing Application," which describes how adversaries compromise systems through vulnerabilities in externally accessible applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2793 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to full system compromise and data breaches. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to the web server, potentially accessing databases, user credentials, and other sensitive information stored within the Geeklog application. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target network. The vulnerability also poses significant risks to the broader network infrastructure, as compromised web servers often serve as launching points for lateral movement attacks. Organizations running affected Geeklog versions face potential regulatory compliance violations, reputational damage, and substantial financial losses from data breaches and system restoration costs.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2793 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input validation and parameter sanitization. System administrators should implement strict input validation that rejects any URLs containing suspicious patterns or protocols that could enable remote file inclusion. The recommended approach includes disabling remote file inclusion functionality entirely within the application configuration and implementing proper parameter validation that ensures all input values are strictly controlled and sanitized. Additionally, organizations should apply the vendor-provided patches or upgrade to patched versions of Geeklog that address this vulnerability. Network-level mitigations such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious URL patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices, including input validation, output encoding, and principle of least privilege, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security risks. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the entire application portfolio.