CVE-2007-5015 in PHP Media Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Streamline PHP Media Server 1.0-beta4 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the sl_theme_unix_path parameter to (1) admin_footer.php, (2) info_footer.php, (3) theme_footer.php, (4) browse_footer.php, (5) account_footer.php, or (6) search_footer.php in core/theme/includes/. NOTE: the vulnerability is present only when the administrator does not follow installation instructions about the requirement for .htaccess Limit support.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5015 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting the Streamline PHP Media Server version 1.0-beta4. This vulnerability exists within the core/theme/includes directory where multiple PHP files are susceptible to malicious input manipulation. The specific parameter sl_theme_unix_path in several footer files including admin_footer.php, info_footer.php, theme_footer.php, browse_footer.php, account_footer.php, and search_footer.php creates an attack vector that allows remote threat actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and sanitization that has been categorized under CWE-94, which specifically addresses the execution of arbitrary code due to improper input handling in interpreted languages. This vulnerability directly aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1190, which involves the exploitation of remote services through the injection of malicious code into web applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to manipulate the sl_theme_unix_path parameter through HTTP requests targeting any of the six vulnerable PHP files mentioned in the description. When these files process the parameter without proper validation, they become susceptible to including remote files that contain malicious PHP code. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates in a server environment where the administrator has failed to properly configure the .htaccess Limit support as recommended during installation. This misconfiguration creates a window of opportunity for attackers to bypass security measures that would normally prevent such remote file inclusion attacks. The absence of proper access controls and input validation creates a direct pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code on the vulnerable server, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the affected server infrastructure. Once exploited, attackers can establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify system configurations, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks against internal networks. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the Streamline PHP Media Server, potentially disrupting media services and exposing user data to unauthorized access. Organizations running this version of the software without proper security hardening are particularly at risk, as the attack surface is significantly expanded by the lack of proper .htaccess configuration. The vulnerability represents a fundamental security flaw that undermines the integrity and confidentiality of the entire system, making it a critical concern for any organization relying on this media server implementation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5015 require immediate attention to both the software configuration and the underlying security infrastructure. The primary recommendation involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Administrators should ensure that all .htaccess Limit directives are properly configured as specified in the installation documentation, which serves as a crucial defense mechanism against remote file inclusion attacks. The implementation of a web application firewall WAF can provide additional protection by filtering malicious requests before they reach the vulnerable application components. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing the principle of least privilege by restricting file inclusion capabilities and ensuring that only trusted sources can provide input to critical system functions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices during software installation and configuration, as the failure to implement recommended security measures can render even well-designed applications vulnerable to exploitation.