CVE-2007-6038 in JUser
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in xajax_functions.php in the JUser (com_juser) 1.0.14 component for Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6038 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the JUser component version 1.0.14 for Joomla! platforms. This issue resides in the xajax_functions.php file and demonstrates a classic security weakness that has been documented in numerous web application vulnerabilities throughout the industry. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code by manipulating the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter through URL manipulation, creating a severe attack vector that can compromise entire web applications. The vulnerability operates by failing to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations, which directly violates fundamental secure coding practices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the Joomla! component architecture. When the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter is passed to the xajax_functions.php script, the application does not adequately filter or sanitize this input before using it in file inclusion contexts. This creates an opportunity for attackers to supply malicious URLs that point to remote servers containing attacker-controlled PHP code. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and represents a variant of the broader remote file inclusion category. The flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass normal execution boundaries and inject their own code into the web application's runtime environment.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to Joomla installations may be present. Security professionals categorize this under ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for "Web Shell" and T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell," as the vulnerability enables the execution of malicious code through the PHP interpreter. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability without requiring physical access to the target system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-6038 involve immediate patching of the affected JUser component to version 1.0.15 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation at multiple levels, including input sanitization, output encoding, and secure configuration practices. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious URL patterns and parameter manipulation attempts. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and maintain updated threat intelligence to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that web application processes run with minimal required permissions and that file inclusion operations are restricted to predefined safe paths. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of input validation and the critical need for secure coding practices that prevent code injection attacks. Organizations must also maintain current security patches and implement proper security monitoring to detect and respond to exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure development lifecycle practices and implementing proper code review processes to identify and address potential injection vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in production environments.