CVE-2007-0100 in client
Summary
by MITRE
The Perforce client does not restrict the set of files that it overwrites upon receiving a request from the server, which allows remote attackers to overwrite arbitrary files by modifying the client config file on the server, or by operating a malicious server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0100 represents a critical file overwrite flaw within the Perforce client software that fundamentally undermines the security model of version control systems. This weakness exists in the client-server communication protocol where the Perforce client fails to properly validate or restrict the file paths it is permitted to modify during synchronization operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path resolution mechanisms within the client implementation, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the file overwrite behavior through server-side configuration changes or by directly controlling a compromised server instance.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through two primary attack vectors that leverage the trust relationship between client and server components. Attackers can modify the client configuration file stored on the server to include malicious file paths that the client will attempt to overwrite during normal operations. Alternatively, a malicious server operator can directly craft responses that instruct the client to overwrite files in arbitrary locations on the client filesystem. This flaw directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a failure in access control enforcement within the Perforce client architecture. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without requiring elevated privileges on the client system, as the client itself performs the file operations based on server-provided instructions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple file corruption or loss, as it can enable complete system compromise through strategic file overwrite operations. An attacker could overwrite critical system files, configuration files, or even executable components with malicious payloads, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability affects organizations relying on Perforce for version control, where the client-server architecture is commonly used to synchronize code and configuration files across distributed development environments. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise settings where Perforce is used for managing sensitive source code repositories, as successful exploitation could result in data exfiltration, code injection, or persistent backdoor installation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of multiple defensive measures to protect against both server-side configuration manipulation and malicious server operations. Organizations should implement strict access controls and authentication mechanisms for Perforce server configuration files to prevent unauthorized modifications. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be deployed to limit communication between client systems and potentially compromised servers. Additionally, regular audit trails of client configuration changes and server communications should be maintained to detect anomalous behavior. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution through command and scripting interpreter. Security teams should also consider implementing endpoint protection solutions that can monitor for suspicious file overwrite activities and establish network-based intrusion detection systems to identify malicious server behavior. Organizations should ensure that Perforce client software is updated to versions that address this specific vulnerability, as the flaw represents a fundamental design weakness in the file handling mechanisms of the affected software versions.