CVE-2007-6686 in Menalto
Summary
by MITRE
The URL rewrite module in Menalto Gallery before 2.2.4 allows attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via unknown vectors related to the admin controller.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6686 resides within the URL rewrite module of Menalto Gallery software prior to version 2.2.4, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary local files through unspecified vectors associated with the admin controller component. This vulnerability falls under the category of local file inclusion attacks and demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation and access control mechanisms within the application's administrative interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input within the URL rewrite functionality, specifically when processing requests directed to the admin controller. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs that manipulate the application's internal file handling mechanisms to include and execute local files on the server hosting the Gallery application. The vulnerability's classification as an unknown vector suggests that the precise attack pathway may involve complex interactions between multiple components within the application's request processing pipeline, potentially leveraging weaknesses in the URL rewriting rules or the administrative controller's parameter handling.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process. This creates a severe escalation path that allows malicious actors to gain full control over the affected system, potentially leading to complete compromise of the server hosting the Gallery application. The vulnerability affects the core administrative functionality of the software, making it particularly dangerous as it could enable attackers to modify or delete critical application files, access sensitive user data, or establish persistent backdoors within the system. The lack of proper input validation and the presence of file inclusion mechanisms without adequate access controls creates an environment where attackers can manipulate the application's behavior to execute unauthorized operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected Menalto Gallery installations to version 2.2.4 or later, which includes the necessary security fixes to address the URL rewrite module's weaknesses. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation measures, including whitelisting of allowed URL patterns and strict sanitization of all user-supplied parameters before processing. Network-level defenses should include web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious URL patterns associated with file inclusion attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper access control implementation, particularly within administrative interfaces where elevated privileges are granted. This issue aligns with CWE-98, which addresses improper file inclusion, and represents a significant concern for the ATT&CK framework's execution and privilege escalation techniques. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications, as this type of flaw commonly occurs in legacy systems where security was not adequately considered during development phases.