CVE-2007-5315 in LiveAlbum
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in common.php in LiveAlbum 0.9.0, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the livealbum_dir parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5315 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the LiveAlbum 0.9.0 web application that leverages the dangerous combination of PHP's register_globals directive and insecure parameter handling. This vulnerability exists within the common.php file where the livealbum_dir parameter is processed without proper validation or sanitization, creating an exploitable path for remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the PHP configuration setting register_globals being enabled, which automatically creates global variables from HTTP request parameters. When this setting is active, an attacker can manipulate the livealbum_dir parameter through URL manipulation to point to a remote malicious script. The vulnerability stems from the lack of input validation and proper sanitization of user-supplied data, allowing the application to include and execute external files without proper authorization checks. This creates a classic remote code execution vector that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to the web server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the vulnerable system with the privileges of the web server process. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload malicious files, establish persistent backdoors, access sensitive data, and potentially escalate privileges within the network. The vulnerability affects web applications running PHP with register_globals enabled, which was common in older PHP configurations and represents a significant security risk in legacy systems. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate configuration changes and code modifications. The primary defense involves disabling the register_globals directive in PHP configuration files, which eliminates the automatic creation of global variables from request parameters. Additionally, developers should implement proper input validation and sanitization techniques, including whitelisting acceptable values for the livealbum_dir parameter and using secure include functions that prevent external file inclusion. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in os command injection attacks, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls, regular security audits, and proper patch management to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in their web applications.