CVE-2007-5313 in Picturesolution
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in install/config.php in Picturesolution 2.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5313 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Picturesolution content management system version 2.1 and earlier. This security weakness resides within the install/config.php file where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input parameters. The vulnerability specifically affects the path parameter which is used to determine file inclusion paths during the installation process. Attackers can exploit this flaw by injecting malicious URLs into the path parameter, enabling them to load and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to remote code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the application's input handling mechanisms. When the install/config.php script processes the path parameter, it directly incorporates user-provided data into file inclusion operations without adequate sanitization or validation. This creates an environment where an attacker can manipulate the script execution flow by providing a URL that points to malicious code hosted on a remote server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it occurs during the installation phase, which often runs with elevated privileges and can provide attackers with complete system compromise. According to the CWE database, this maps to CWE-98: Improper Control of Code Generation Facilities, which describes how applications fail to properly control code generation capabilities, leading to code injection vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1190: Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it represents an attack vector through publicly accessible web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent access to compromised systems. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can upload backdoors, install malware, steal sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system. This vulnerability also poses significant risks to organizations that may be using outdated versions of Picturesolution, as the attack surface remains exposed even if other security controls are in place. The vulnerability's exploitation typically results in complete system compromise, making it a high-priority issue for security teams to address immediately. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues and potential data breaches if such vulnerabilities remain unpatched, particularly in environments handling sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5313 should focus on immediate patching of the Picturesolution application to version 2.2 or later, where the vulnerability has been resolved through proper input validation and sanitization. System administrators should also implement network-level controls such as web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious requests containing URL patterns in path parameters. Additionally, disabling unnecessary file inclusion functionality and implementing strict input validation on all user-supplied parameters can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. The application should be configured to use absolute paths instead of relative paths when performing file operations, and all file inclusion operations should be validated against a strict whitelist of allowed files. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scans to identify similar issues in other applications, as this vulnerability type remains prevalent in legacy systems. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in application functionality while maintaining the security improvements.