CVE-2007-5309 in Flash Image Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in admin.wmtgallery.php in the webmaster-tips.net Flash Image Gallery (com_wmtgallery) 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 CVE-2007-5309 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the com_wmtgallery component version 1.0 for Joomla! platforms. This vulnerability specifically affects the admin.wmtgallery.php script which fails to properly validate user input parameters, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on vulnerable systems. The flaw manifests through the mosConfig_live_site parameter which is processed without adequate sanitization, allowing attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through crafted input values.
This vulnerability operates under the broader category of insecure input handling and remote code execution, directly mapping to CWE-94 which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and CWE-88 which addresses "Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command ('Argument Injection')." The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to leverage the legitimate application functionality to execute malicious code remotely without requiring authentication or physical access to the system. The attack vector specifically targets the parameter validation mechanism within the Joomla! component architecture, exploiting the trust model where the application assumes that input from certain parameters can be safely processed without additional verification.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Once exploited, malicious actors can upload additional malware, establish backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify website content, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects all Joomla as a content management system. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet, making it an attractive target for automated attacks and botnets.
Security mitigations for CVE-2007-5309 primarily focus on immediate patching and input validation improvements. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of the com_wmtgallery component or remove the vulnerable component entirely from their Joomla! installations. The recommended approach includes implementing proper parameter validation and sanitization within the application code, specifically ensuring that all user-supplied input is rigorously checked before being processed. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious parameter values, disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations, and applying principle of least privilege access controls. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1190 "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059 "Command and Scripting Interpreter" as attackers leverage the legitimate application interface to execute malicious commands. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts and code execution activities that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability.