CVE-2007-4780 in Joomla
Summary
by MITRE
Joomla! 1.5 before RC2 (aka Endeleo) allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information (the full path) via unspecified vectors, probably involving direct requests to certain PHP scripts in tmpl/ directories.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4780 affects Joomla installation. The vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure, which can provide attackers with critical system details that may aid in subsequent exploitation attempts. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning as it can reveal the complete file system path structure of the web server, potentially exposing directory layouts and system configurations that should remain hidden from external parties.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper error handling or configuration within the Joomla! framework's template system. When attackers make direct requests to PHP scripts in the tmpl/ directories, the application fails to properly sanitize or restrict access to these components, resulting in the exposure of the full server path. This occurs because the application's error reporting mechanism or access control logic does not adequately validate or filter incoming requests, allowing unauthorized access to internal system paths that should be protected. The vulnerability is classified as a path disclosure weakness that aligns with CWE-209, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through error messages or debugging output that reveals system paths.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it significantly weakens the security posture of affected Joomla! installations. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can obtain the complete file system path, which serves as a critical piece of intelligence for planning more sophisticated attacks. The disclosed path information may reveal directory structures, file naming conventions, and system layout details that could be leveraged in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to execute more effective exploitation strategies. This information disclosure can also facilitate attacks such as local file inclusion or remote code execution if combined with other weaknesses, as the attacker now has knowledge of the exact system paths they need to target. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and access control practices that violate fundamental security principles and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers discovering file and directory permissions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4780 should focus on implementing proper access controls and input validation measures within the Joomla 1.5 RC2 or later versions where this vulnerability has been addressed through improved access control mechanisms and enhanced error handling procedures. The recommended approach involves configuring the web server to properly restrict access to sensitive directories including tmpl/ and ensuring that error messages do not reveal system paths or internal application structures. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within the application code can prevent unauthorized access to PHP scripts in sensitive directories. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious requests targeting specific template directories, as well as conducting regular security audits to identify and remediate similar access control vulnerabilities in their web applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing proper security configurations to prevent attackers from gaining intelligence that could lead to more serious security breaches.