CVE-2007-0159 in GeoIP
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the GeoIP_update_database_general function in libGeoIP/GeoIPUpdate.c in GeoIP 1.4.0 allows remote malicious update servers (possibly only update.maxmind.com) to overwrite arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the database filename, which is returned by a request to app/update_getfilename.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0159 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the GeoIP 1.4.0 library implementation. This security weakness resides in the GeoIP_update_database_general function located within the libGeoIP/GeoIPUpdate.c source file, where the software fails to properly validate filename inputs received from remote update servers. The vulnerability specifically manifests when a malicious update server returns a database filename containing directory traversal sequences, particularly the ".." (dot dot) notation that allows attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates within the update mechanism of the GeoIP library, which is designed to fetch and install geographical database files from remote sources, making it a potential vector for arbitrary file overwrite operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted response from a malicious update server that includes directory traversal sequences in the filename returned by the app/update_getfilename endpoint. When the GeoIP library processes this response and attempts to write the database file to disk, the ".." sequences in the filename cause the system to traverse directories beyond the intended target location, potentially allowing the attacker to overwrite files in arbitrary locations on the system. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')", and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to severe privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution scenarios. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it leverages the legitimate update functionality of the software, making it more difficult to detect and prevent through traditional security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites, as it can potentially enable attackers to compromise the entire system by replacing critical system files or configuration data. The vulnerability affects systems that utilize the GeoIP library for geographical database updates, particularly those that automatically fetch updates from remote servers without proper input sanitization. This flaw could be exploited by attackers who control a malicious update server or who have compromised the legitimate update server such as update.maxmind.com, though the latter scenario would require significant compromise of the update infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates how update mechanisms, if not properly secured, can become attack vectors for privilege escalation and system compromise, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1027 for the use of file system traversal and T1059 for command execution through compromised update processes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention and include several critical remediation steps. Organizations should first update to a patched version of the GeoIP library where the directory traversal vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and sanitization of filename parameters. The implementation of strict filename validation should be enforced to reject any inputs containing directory traversal sequences, particularly ".." characters, and the update mechanism should be configured to operate within restricted directories with minimal permissions. Additionally, network-level controls such as firewalls and proxy configurations should be implemented to prevent communication with untrusted update servers, and the use of certificate pinning or other authentication mechanisms should be considered to ensure that only legitimate update sources can provide database updates. System administrators should also implement monitoring and logging of update activities to detect any suspicious file modification patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and regular security audits should be conducted to verify that update processes are properly isolated and secured against such traversal attacks.