CVE-2007-4283 in Photo Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in bridge/yabbse.inc.php in Coppermine Photo Gallery (CPG) 1.3.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the sourcedir parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4283 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Coppermine Photo Gallery version 1.3.1, specifically within the bridge/yabbse.inc.php component. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input parameters, particularly the sourcedir parameter that controls directory sourcing operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application processes the sourcedir parameter without adequate sanitization measures, allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs that point to remote servers containing malicious PHP code. When the application attempts to include and execute the specified remote file, it inadvertently executes the attacker-controlled code with the privileges of the web server process. This remote file inclusion vulnerability is classified as CWE-88, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. The vulnerability exists because the application directly incorporates user input into file inclusion operations without proper validation, making it susceptible to manipulation by remote attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server and potentially the underlying system. Successful exploitation can lead to full system compromise, data exfiltration, lateral movement within the network, and establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects not only the integrity and availability of the Coppermine Photo Gallery application but also poses significant risks to the entire hosting environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deploy web shells, steal sensitive user data, modify or delete content, and use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks against other systems within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4283 should focus on immediate patching of the vulnerable Coppermine Photo Gallery version 1.3.1 to the latest available secure release. Organizations must implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent user-supplied data from being directly used in file inclusion operations. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running web applications with minimal required permissions and by implementing proper network segmentation. Additionally, web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious file inclusion patterns and anomalous network traffic. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar insecure coding practices within the application codebase. The remediation process should also include disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP configurations and implementing strict input validation for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in dynamic file operations. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely application of security updates and maintain comprehensive logging and monitoring capabilities to detect potential exploitation attempts.