CVE-2007-0088 in openmedia
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in openmedia allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the (1) src parameter to page.php or the (2) format parameter to search_form.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0088 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting the openmedia content management system. This weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before processing file operations. The vulnerability manifests in two distinct attack vectors within the application's codebase, specifically targeting the src parameter in page.php and the format parameter in search_form.php. These locations represent common entry points for malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to exploit the lack of proper input filtering by injecting malicious dot-dot-slash sequences into the targeted parameters. When the application processes these inputs without adequate sanitization, it interprets the traversal sequences as legitimate path navigation commands, enabling attackers to traverse the file system beyond intended boundaries. This flaw directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation and access control mechanisms. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
Operationally, the impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure. Attackers can leverage this weakness to access sensitive files including configuration data, database credentials, application source code, and potentially system-level files that contain critical operational information. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system. This vulnerability enables a range of malicious activities including data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and potential privilege escalation depending on the system's file permissions and the specific files accessed. The attack requires minimal technical expertise and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation.
The attack surface for this vulnerability encompasses any system running the affected openmedia version that accepts user input through the specified parameters. Organizations using this software without proper input validation measures face significant risk of unauthorized file access and potential system compromise. The vulnerability's persistence across different system configurations makes it particularly challenging to secure, as it requires comprehensive application-level fixes rather than simple configuration changes. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader application security practices and ensure that all user-supplied inputs undergo rigorous validation before processing.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0088 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization measures across all affected application parameters. The most effective approach involves implementing strict input filtering that rejects or removes any traversal sequences from user-supplied data before processing. Organizations should deploy proper access controls and file system permissions to limit the damage potential of successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious traversal attempts. The remediation process should include thorough code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components and ensure that all user inputs are properly validated against a whitelist of acceptable characters and patterns. System administrators should also consider implementing regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to detect similar weaknesses in other applications and systems within their infrastructure.