CVE-2007-4954 in Joomla
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in admin.joom12pic.php in the joom12Pic (com_joom12pic) 1.0 component for Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the mosConfig_live_site parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4954 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the joom12Pic component version 1.0 for Joomla installation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the mosConfig_live_site parameter to the vulnerable admin.joom12pic.php script. When the application processes this input without proper validation, it attempts to include and execute the remote PHP file specified in the URL, thereby enabling the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target server. This behavior directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote file inclusion vulnerabilities to execute malicious code. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it allows for complete system compromise, enabling attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The flaw essentially transforms the vulnerable web application into a potential backdoor for attackers, as the remote file inclusion mechanism can be leveraged to download and execute malware payloads, web shells, or other malicious components from remote servers controlled by threat actors.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-4954 extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities to encompass broader security implications for Joomla site, as attackers can leverage the remote code execution capability to modify application files, steal credentials, and establish persistent access through backdoor installations. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a common pattern in legacy web applications where input validation and sanitization mechanisms were either absent or insufficiently implemented. The issue demonstrates the critical importance of proper parameter validation and the principle of least privilege in web application development, as well as the necessity of regular security updates and vulnerability assessments. Organizations affected by this vulnerability must immediately implement mitigations including patching the component to a secure version, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting comprehensive security audits to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities within their web application infrastructure.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2007-4954 requires immediate action to address the root cause of the vulnerability through component updates and security hardening measures. System administrators should upgrade to the latest version of the joom12Pic component that contains proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent malicious URL inclusion. Additionally, implementing proper input validation at the application level, including whitelisting acceptable parameter values and employing secure coding practices, can effectively prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. Network security controls such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious URL patterns and parameter manipulation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following security best practices including the principle of least privilege, regular security assessments, and maintaining up-to-date security patches across all web applications and components within the organization's infrastructure. Organizations should also consider implementing security monitoring and incident response procedures specifically designed to detect and respond to remote file inclusion attacks and other similar code execution vulnerabilities that may affect their web applications.