CVE-2007-5362 in mosMedia
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in the Avant-Garde Solutions MOSMedia Lite (com_mosmedia) 4.5.1 component for Mambo and Joomla! allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter to (1) credits.html.php, (2) info.html.php, (3) media.divs.php, (4) media.divs.js.php, (5) purchase.html.php, or (6) support.html.php in includes/. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information. NOTE: vector 3 may be the same as CVE-2007-2043.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/20/2025
The CVE-2007-5362 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion vulnerability affecting the Avant-Garde Solutions MOSMedia Lite component version 4.5.1 in Mambo and Joomla! content management systems. This vulnerability resides within the includes directory of the affected component and impacts six specific PHP files including credits.html.php, info.html.php, and several media-related files. The flaw stems from improper input validation and sanitization of the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter, which allows attackers to inject malicious URLs that are subsequently included and executed as PHP code. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-829, representing an incomplete input validation issue that permits arbitrary code execution through file inclusion mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter to point to a remote malicious PHP script hosted on an external server. When the vulnerable component processes this parameter, it directly includes the specified URL without proper validation, executing any PHP code present in the remote file. The attack vector leverages the trust model of the CMS where legitimate file paths are expected to be local, but the application fails to distinguish between local and remote file references. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5362 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and data breach potential. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, steal sensitive information, modify website content, or use the compromised server for further attacks against other systems. The vulnerability affects multiple files within the includes directory, increasing the attack surface and providing multiple entry points for exploitation. Given that this vulnerability affects widely used CMS platforms like Mambo and Joomla!, the potential impact is significant across numerous websites and organizations that rely on these systems for their web presence. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access or credentials.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5362 should focus on immediate patching of the affected component to the latest secure version provided by Avant-Garde Solutions or the CMS maintainers. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The recommended defense-in-depth approach includes disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configuration, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests, and conducting regular security audits of installed components and extensions. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for unauthorized modifications to website files and implement proper access controls to limit the damage potential from successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of keeping CMS platforms and third-party extensions updated, as it represents a classic example of how outdated software components can create persistent security risks that remain exploitable for years after initial discovery. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, representing a legitimate program with restricted privileges being used to execute arbitrary code, and highlights the need for comprehensive security controls beyond simple patch management.