CVE-2007-5065 in Joomla
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in admin.slideshow1.php in the Flash Slide Show (com_slideshow) component for Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the mosConfig_live_site parameter.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The CVE-2007-5065 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Joomla! content management system that specifically targets the Flash Slide Show component. This vulnerability exists in the admin.slideshow1.php file and demonstrates a classic security weakness that enables attackers to execute malicious PHP code remotely. The flaw occurs when the application fails to properly validate user-supplied input, particularly in the mosConfig_live_site parameter that is used to configure the live site URL for the slideshow component. This parameter is processed without adequate sanitization, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious URLs that will be included and executed as PHP code on the target server.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. The vulnerability operates under the principle that the application treats user-provided URLs as trusted input sources, allowing arbitrary code execution through the include() or require() functions. Attackers can exploit this by crafting a malicious URL that points to a remote server hosting malicious PHP code, which then gets executed when the vulnerable component processes the user-supplied parameter. The attack vector specifically targets the Joomla! component architecture where the mosConfig_live_site parameter is improperly handled, enabling the execution of remote code through a simple parameter manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching within the Joomla installations that use the com_slideshow component, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread adoption of Joomla! as a content management platform. This flaw represents a critical security risk because it enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially allowing them to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or compromise other systems within the network. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5065 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Joomla! installations and implementation of input validation controls. Organizations should disable the vulnerable com_slideshow component if it is not essential for operations, as this provides an immediate defense against exploitation attempts. The implementation of proper input sanitization and validation should be enforced throughout the application to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components. Network-level defenses including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts by monitoring for suspicious URL patterns and parameter manipulation. Security hardening practices such as disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations and implementing proper access controls can further reduce the attack surface. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and ATT&CK framework, particularly in preventing insecure deserialization and command injection vulnerabilities that could lead to similar remote code execution scenarios. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses across the entire application stack.