CVE-2007-0349 in INDEXU
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in upgrade.php in nicecoder.com INDEXU 5.x allows remote attackers to include arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the gateway parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-0349 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the INDEXU 5.x content management system developed by nicecoder.com. This vulnerability specifically affects the upgrade.php script which handles system updates and administrative functions. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters, particularly the gateway parameter that controls which system components are included during the upgrade process. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating the gateway parameter with directory traversal sequences such as .. to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary local files on the server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which classifies it as a Directory Traversal or Path Traversal vulnerability. This weakness occurs when an application allows user input to control file paths without proper validation, enabling attackers to access files outside the intended directory scope. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution through file inclusion attacks, where malicious actors can include system files or even malicious code snippets that will be executed by the web server. The vulnerability specifically targets the upgrade functionality, which typically runs with elevated privileges and has access to sensitive system components.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using INDEXU 5.x systems, as it can lead to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this flaw to read sensitive configuration files, database credentials, or other critical system information. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially allow full system control, as demonstrated by the ability to include arbitrary local files during the upgrade process. This creates a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges, install backdoors, or modify core system components. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures. The primary defense mechanism involves ensuring that all user-supplied parameters undergo rigorous validation to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. Implementing a whitelist approach for acceptable parameter values and using secure coding practices such as input filtering and path normalization can effectively prevent this type of attack. Organizations should also consider implementing proper access controls and privilege separation, ensuring that upgrade processes run with minimal necessary privileges. Additionally, regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other applications and systems. The mitigation strategy should align with ATT&CK framework tactic TA0006 (Credential Access) and technique T1566 (Phishing), as attackers often exploit such vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to systems and escalate privileges through compromised upgrade mechanisms.