CVE-2007-4185 in Joomla
Summary
by MITRE
Joomla! 1.0.12 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request for (1) Stat.php (2) OutputFilter.php, (3) OutputCache.php, (4) Modifier.php, (5) Reader.php, and (6) TemplateCache.php in includes/patTemplate/patTemplate/; (7) includes/Cache/Lite/Output.php; and other unspecified components, which reveal the path in various error messages.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4185 affects Joomla framework. This issue resides in the patTemplate library and Cache/Lite components, which are integral parts of the content management system's underlying architecture. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive path information by making direct requests to specific PHP files within the includes/patTemplate/patTemplate/ directory structure and the includes/Cache/Lite/ directory, creating a significant security risk for affected systems.
The technical flaw manifests through improper error handling mechanisms within the Joomla! 1.0.12 codebase where error messages generated by the patTemplate library components contain full system paths in their output. When attackers make direct requests to Stat.php, OutputFilter.php, OutputCache.php, Modifier.php, Reader.php, TemplateCache.php, and Output.php files, the system responds with error messages that inadvertently reveal the absolute file paths on the server. This occurs because the application fails to sanitize error outputs properly, allowing path information to be exposed to unauthorized users who can access these specific endpoints through direct HTTP requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed paths can provide attackers with critical system information that facilitates further exploitation attempts. Attackers can use the revealed paths to understand the server's file structure, potentially enabling them to craft more sophisticated attacks such as local file inclusion vulnerabilities or to identify other system components that might be vulnerable to exploitation. This information disclosure vulnerability aligns with CWE-209, which specifically addresses the exposure of error messages containing sensitive information, and represents a classic example of how improper error handling can create security weaknesses that significantly compromise system security posture.
The vulnerability demonstrates a critical flaw in the application's security architecture where the framework fails to implement proper input validation and error handling practices. According to ATT&CK framework methodology, this represents a technique categorized under T1212 - Exploitation for Credential Access, as the information disclosure can lead to credential compromise through further exploitation. The exposure of system paths creates an attack surface that can be leveraged by threat actors to understand the target environment better, potentially leading to privilege escalation or other advanced persistent threats. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Joomla! 1.0.12 should prioritize immediate remediation through patch updates or implementing proper input validation and error handling mechanisms to prevent attackers from exploiting this information disclosure vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the affected Joomla installations and ensure that all third-party libraries are updated to their latest secure versions. The remediation process should also include implementing proper logging and monitoring to detect suspicious access patterns targeting these vulnerable files, as this information disclosure can serve as an initial reconnaissance step for more sophisticated attacks.