CVE-2007-0335 in Jax Petition Book
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Jax Petition Book 1.0.3.06 allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the languagepack parameter to (1) jax_petitionbook.php or (2) smileys.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0335 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Jax Petition Book version 1.0.3.06. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's handling of user-supplied parameters, specifically the languagepack parameter in two key files. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion paths by exploiting the .. (dot dot) traversal sequences, which are commonly used to navigate up directory levels in file systems. The vulnerability impacts both jax_petitionbook.php and smileys.php scripts, creating multiple attack vectors for malicious actors seeking to exploit the system. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input containing directory traversal sequences in the languagepack parameter. When the application processes this parameter without proper sanitization, it inadvertently allows the inclusion of arbitrary local files from the server's file system. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive files, execution of malicious code, and potentially complete system compromise. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates at the file system level, allowing adversaries to bypass normal access controls and retrieve confidential data or execute commands on the target server. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution risk due to the potential for arbitrary file inclusion, which can be leveraged to load and execute malicious code from the compromised system.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-0335 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and establish persistent access to affected systems. When successfully exploited, this vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Organizations running affected versions of Jax Petition Book face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for scripting and T1566.001 for malicious file execution, highlighting the attack techniques that can be employed using this weakness.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. The most effective approach involves removing or properly encoding user-supplied input before it is processed by the application. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences or other potentially malicious patterns. Additionally, the application should be configured to run with minimal required privileges and should implement proper access controls to limit file system access. Security patches or updates from the vendor should be applied immediately upon availability, as this vulnerability was likely addressed in subsequent releases. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though they should not be relied upon as the sole mitigation strategy. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in preventing directory traversal attacks, which remain a persistent threat in web application security landscapes.