CVE-2004-0127 in phpGedView
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in editconfig_gedcom.php for phpGedView 2.65.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files or execute arbitrary PHP programs on the server via .. (dot dot) sequences in the gedcom_config parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0127 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the editconfig_gedcom.php script of phpGedView version 2.65.1 and earlier. This weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing. The vulnerability specifically affects the gedcom_config parameter which is used to specify configuration files for genealogical data management. When attackers exploit this flaw, they can manipulate the parameter to navigate through the file system hierarchy using .. (dot dot) sequences, thereby gaining unauthorized access to sensitive system files or executing arbitrary PHP code on the server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. This weakness occurs because the application directly incorporates user input into file system operations without sufficient sanitization or validation. The attack vector allows remote exploitation, meaning an attacker does not require local system access or authentication to leverage this vulnerability. The flaw essentially enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially access files outside the intended directory structure, including system configuration files, database credentials, or other sensitive information stored on the server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, affecting both data confidentiality and system integrity. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized information disclosure, where attackers gain access to sensitive genealogical data, system configuration files, or even database connection details. The ability to execute arbitrary PHP code on the server transforms this vulnerability into a potential full system compromise, allowing attackers to establish persistent access, install backdoors, or escalate privileges within the affected system. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where phpGedView is deployed with administrative privileges or where sensitive personal data is stored.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0127 should prioritize immediate patching of affected phpGedView installations to version 2.66 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures. Additionally, implementing proper input validation at the application level can prevent malicious path traversal sequences from being processed, including canonicalizing file paths and implementing strict whitelisting of allowed file names. Network-level defenses such as web application firewalls can also provide additional protection by detecting and blocking suspicious path traversal patterns in HTTP requests. Organizations should also implement principle of least privilege access controls, ensuring that phpGedView applications run with minimal necessary permissions and that sensitive files are properly secured. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper access controls in preventing directory traversal attacks, which remain a prevalent threat in web application security landscapes.