CVE-2000-1231 in Phorum
Summary
by MITRE
code.php3 in Phorum 3.0.7 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files in the phorum directory via the query string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/28/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-1231 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in Phorum 3.0.7's code.php3 script that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files within the phorum directory structure. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's file handling routines. The vulnerability specifically affects the query string parameter processing, where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file path resolution without proper sanitization or access control checks. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating the query string to include directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that allow them to navigate outside the intended directory boundaries and access sensitive files.
This vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a fundamental security weakness in file system access control. The flaw operates at the application layer and represents a classic path traversal attack vector that has been consistently identified across numerous web applications over the years. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure as it can potentially expose configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other sensitive artifacts that may contain authentication tokens, connection strings, or other confidential information. The attack surface is particularly concerning because Phorum is a web-based bulletin board system that typically stores user data, forum configurations, and other potentially sensitive information within its directory structure.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-1231 is significant as it allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to the underlying file system of the web application. This can lead to complete system compromise if sensitive configuration files or database connection details are exposed, potentially enabling further attacks such as privilege escalation or data exfiltration. The vulnerability can be exploited from any remote location without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in production environments. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 - Data from Information Repositories, specifically targeting the retrieval of sensitive data through path traversal methods. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious URLs with traversal sequences that bypass normal file access controls, allowing attackers to read files that should normally be restricted to authorized users only.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization measures within the application code. The most effective approach involves filtering and validating all user-supplied input before it is used in file system operations, particularly by removing or encoding directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\. Organizations should implement proper access control mechanisms that restrict file access to authorized users only and establish secure coding practices that prevent direct file path manipulation. Additionally, the application should be configured to run with minimal required privileges and implement proper file system permissions that prevent unauthorized access to sensitive files. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application, while also implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include updating to a patched version of Phorum 3.0.7 or implementing proper input validation mechanisms that prevent path traversal attacks at the application level.