CVE-2007-4187 in Joomla
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple eval injection vulnerabilities in the com_search component in Joomla! 1.5 beta before RC1 (aka Mapya) allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via PHP sequences in the searchword parameter, related to default_results.php in (1) components/com_search/views/search/tmpl/ and (2) templates/beez/html/com_search/search/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2021
The CVE-2007-4187 vulnerability represents a critical server-side code injection flaw in Joomla! 1.5 beta versions prior to RC1, specifically affecting the com_search component. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the search functionality, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected server. The flaw manifests through the searchword parameter which is processed without adequate security measures, allowing malicious actors to inject PHP code sequences that get executed by the server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of the eval() function within the default_results.php file, which processes user input directly without proper sanitization. When users submit search queries containing malicious PHP code sequences, these inputs are passed through the search component and executed as PHP code, effectively allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to the server's execution environment. The vulnerability affects two specific file locations within the Joomla! 1.5 beta framework, namely components/com_search/views/search/tmpl/default_results.php and templates/beez/html/com_search/search/default_results.php, both of which are part of the search component's template rendering system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Remote code execution capabilities enable malicious actors to perform various harmful activities including data exfiltration, server compromise, privilege escalation, and deployment of additional malware. The vulnerability affects the entire Joomla! 1.5 beta release cycle, making numerous websites running this version susceptible to exploitation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, modify website content, steal sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks against other systems within the network infrastructure.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in the context of CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to command and control, privilege escalation, and persistence. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic code injection pattern where user-controllable input flows directly into executable code paths. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to the patched version of Joomla! 1.5 RC1 or later, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious search queries, and applying input validation measures to prevent PHP code sequences from being processed through the search functionality. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual execution patterns and unauthorized code modifications within the affected components.