CVE-2007-4610 in Moon Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in config/upload.php in Moonware (aka Dale Mooney Gallery) allows remote attackers to upload and execute arbitrary PHP files in images/, possibly related to config/admin.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4610 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in the Moonware gallery system, specifically within the config/upload.php component. This vulnerability exposes the application to remote code execution risks by allowing unauthorized attackers to upload malicious files to the images/ directory. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and file type checking mechanisms that fail to properly verify the nature and content of uploaded files. Security researchers have classified this as a severe issue due to the potential for complete system compromise when attackers can execute arbitrary PHP code on the server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the administrative functionality of the gallery system, as indicated by the relationship to config/admin.php, suggesting attackers could gain elevated privileges or bypass authentication mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application processes file uploads without sufficient sanitization or content verification. The config/upload.php script likely accepts file uploads through web forms or API endpoints without proper validation of file extensions, MIME types, or actual file content. Attackers can exploit this by uploading PHP files with extensions such as .php, .phtml, or even disguised extensions that bypass simple checks. The uploaded files are then stored in the images/ directory where they can be accessed through web requests, allowing the execution of malicious code with the privileges of the web server. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-434 Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, which specifically addresses the risk of allowing file uploads that can execute code on the target system. The flaw represents a fundamental failure in the application's security architecture where file upload functionality lacks proper security controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-4610 extends far beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the underlying system. Once an attacker successfully uploads malicious code, they can establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a gallery system that may contain sensitive user data, including personal information, uploaded images, and potentially administrative credentials. The risk of privilege escalation exists when the uploaded PHP files can interact with the application's administrative functions referenced in config/admin.php, potentially allowing attackers to gain full administrative control over the gallery installation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP, highlighting the multi-stage attack approach that threat actors can employ.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4610 must address both the immediate vulnerability and the underlying architectural issues that allowed it to exist. Organizations should implement strict file validation mechanisms that check not only file extensions but also file content and MIME types using multiple validation layers. The application should reject any file that does not meet predetermined security criteria and should not store uploaded files in directories accessible via web requests. Implementing a secure file upload architecture involves moving uploaded files to non-web-accessible directories and using unique filenames with proper access controls. Additionally, the system should validate file content using tools like file type identification utilities or content analysis to ensure uploaded files match their claimed extensions. Security measures should include restricting file upload functionality to authenticated users only, implementing proper access controls, and conducting regular security audits of file upload components. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious upload attempts, as well as monitoring for unauthorized file modifications in critical directories. The remediation process must include comprehensive code review to identify similar vulnerabilities in other upload components and ensure that proper security controls are implemented throughout the application's architecture.