CVE-2009-4202 in Com Omphotogallery
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the Omilen Photo Gallery (com_omphotogallery) component Beta 0.5 for Joomla! allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via directory traversal sequences in the controller parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The CVE-2009-4202 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Omilen Photo Gallery component for Joomla! version Beta 0.5, exposing systems to remote code execution risks. This vulnerability specifically targets the component's handling of user input through the controller parameter in the index.php file, creating an avenue for attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the component's parameter processing logic, allowing malicious actors to craft requests containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that can navigate beyond the intended directory structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the component's failure to properly validate and sanitize the controller parameter before using it in file inclusion operations. When a user submits a request with a specially crafted controller value containing traversal sequences, the application processes these inputs without adequate security checks, resulting in the inclusion of arbitrary local files from the server's filesystem. This behavior directly violates secure coding principles and represents a classic path traversal vulnerability that has been consistently documented in security frameworks such as CWE-22, which specifically addresses "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')".
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file disclosure, as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected server. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially gain shell access to the web server. The vulnerability affects Joomla sites share common infrastructure or where automated scanning tools actively target known vulnerable components.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1068 for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" when considering the potential attack vectors and exploitation methods. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation flaws can create significant security risks, particularly in content management systems where third-party components are frequently installed without thorough security assessments. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including component updates, input validation restrictions, and web application firewalls to prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and conducting regular security assessments of third-party components, as outlined in OWASP Top 10 security guidelines and NIST cybersecurity frameworks that emphasize the need for proper input validation and secure file handling procedures.