CVE-2007-4955 in Flash Fun Component
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in admin.joomlaflashfun.php in the Flash Fun! (com_joomlaflashfun) 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-2007-4955 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Joomla component version 1.0. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic file inclusion operations. The vulnerability manifests in the admin.joomlaflashfun.php file where the mosConfig_live_site parameter is processed without sufficient security controls, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. Such a flaw fundamentally compromises the integrity and security posture of Joomla! installations, as it allows attackers to escalate privileges and potentially gain complete control over affected systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and CWE-94, which addresses execution of arbitrary code through code injection. The flaw operates by exploiting the trust placed in user input within the component's configuration handling mechanisms, where the mosConfig_live_site parameter serves as an entry point for attacker-controlled URLs. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL in this parameter, the vulnerable code attempts to include and execute the remote file, effectively allowing the attacker to run arbitrary PHP code on the server with the privileges of the web application. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1190, known as "Exploit Public-Facing Application," where adversaries target web applications to establish initial access and execute malicious code.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-4955 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, and manipulate the affected Joomla installations may not have proper input validation or security hardening measures in place, making the exploitation process relatively straightforward for threat actors with basic technical knowledge.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary and most effective mitigation involves updating to the patched version of the Flash Fun that contains proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation, utilize whitelisting approaches for configuration parameters, and ensure that all web applications employ secure coding practices that prevent dynamic code execution based on user input. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense, while regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of input validation and the dangers of trusting user-supplied data without proper sanitization, particularly in web applications that handle configuration parameters.