CVE-2007-5310 in wmtportfolio
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in admin.wmtportfolio.php in the webmaster-tips.net wmtportfolio 1.0 (com_wmtportfolio) component for Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The CVE-2007-5310 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw discovered in the webmaster-tips.net wmtportfolio 1.0 component for Joomla! platforms. This vulnerability resides within the admin.wmtportfolio.php file and demonstrates a classic path traversal and code execution weakness that has been prevalent in web applications since the early days of php exploitation. The flaw specifically affects the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter which is used to define the absolute path for the application's configuration, creating a dangerous condition where user-supplied input directly influences file inclusion operations. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-98 as "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for "Exploit Public-Facing Application" within the execution phase of the attack lifecycle.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the Joomla framework, where the component's administrative functions are accessible to authenticated users or even unauthenticated attackers depending on the specific configuration and access controls in place.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload malicious shell scripts, establish persistent backdoors, or execute arbitrary commands on the target server with the privileges of the web application user. The implications are severe as the vulnerability affects the core Joomla! CMS infrastructure, potentially allowing attackers to gain access to sensitive user data, modify content, or even escalate privileges to system administrators. This vulnerability also demonstrates the broader risks associated with component-based vulnerabilities in content management systems where third-party extensions can introduce security weaknesses that affect the entire platform.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5310 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves applying the vendor-supplied patch or upgrading to a patched version of the wmtportfolio component, which typically includes input validation and sanitization measures for the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation that rejects suspicious input patterns and enforces strict path validation. Network-level mitigations include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious URL patterns targeting known remote file inclusion vulnerabilities. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that web applications run with minimal necessary permissions and that file inclusion operations are restricted to predefined, trusted directories. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security audits and component updates as part of comprehensive vulnerability management programs, aligning with security standards such as those recommended in NIST SP 800-53 for secure configuration management and vulnerability assessment practices.