CVE-2007-0329 in JV2 Folder Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
download.php in Joonas Viljanen JV2 Folder Gallery allows remote attackers to read sensitive files via a relative pathname in the file parameter, as demonstrated by config/gallerysetup.php. NOTE: this issue might be resultant from a directory traversal vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0329 affects the JV2 Folder Gallery web application developed by Joonas Viljanen, specifically targeting the download.php script. This security flaw represents a classic directory traversal vulnerability that enables remote attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input provided through the file parameter, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the relative pathnames and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system files.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the file parameter within the download.php script, which processes requests for file downloads within the gallery system. Attackers can construct malicious relative pathnames that traverse up the directory hierarchy using sequences such as "../" or similar traversal patterns, ultimately enabling access to configuration files, database credentials, or other sensitive data stored outside the web root directory. The specific example demonstrated involves accessing config/gallerysetup.php, which likely contains database connection details, administrative credentials, or other critical configuration information that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks. The operational impact of this flaw extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with potential access to system configuration files that may contain database passwords, API keys, or other credentials that could facilitate further exploitation. The vulnerability represents a significant security risk to organizations using the JV2 Folder Gallery, as it allows for unauthorized data access without requiring authentication or specific privileges within the application.
The security implications of CVE-2007-0329 align with techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1083 and T1566 tactics, which cover file and directory discovery as well as credential access through various methods. Organizations running this vulnerable application face potential exposure to attackers who can use this vulnerability to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or potentially establish persistence within their systems. The vulnerability's classification as a directory traversal issue means that it can be exploited across various operating systems and file systems, making it particularly dangerous in diverse environments. Organizations should immediately implement input validation controls, restrict file access permissions, and consider implementing web application firewalls to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
The remediation strategy for this vulnerability requires immediate patching of the JV2 Folder Gallery application to properly sanitize and validate all user input, particularly the file parameter in download.php. Security measures should include implementing proper path validation that prevents traversal sequences from being processed, restricting file access to predetermined directories, and ensuring that all file operations occur within a controlled and safe environment. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities that might exist in other components or scripts, as directory traversal issues often occur in multiple parts of web applications. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of input validation and proper access controls in preventing unauthorized file access within web-based applications.