CVE-2007-0607 in W-Agora
Summary
by MITRE
W-Agora (Web-Agora) 4.2.1, when register_globals is enabled, stores globals.inc under the web document root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain application path information via a direct request.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0607 affects W-Agora version 4.2.1, a web-based discussion forum application that suffers from improper access control mechanisms. This flaw becomes particularly dangerous when the PHP configuration parameter register_globals is enabled, creating a dangerous intersection of configuration mismanagement and insecure file handling. The application stores a critical file named globals.inc within the web document root directory, which contains sensitive path information that should remain protected from unauthorized access. This configuration oversight creates a direct pathway for remote attackers to obtain detailed application path information through simple HTTP requests, effectively exposing the underlying system architecture and potentially enabling further exploitation attempts.
The technical flaw stems from the application's failure to implement proper access controls for critical system files stored in publicly accessible directories. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from GET, POST, and COOKIE data, which when combined with insecure file placement creates a significant security risk. The globals.inc file contains path information that reveals the application's directory structure, potentially exposing installation paths, database connection details, and other sensitive configuration parameters. This vulnerability represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference, where the application fails to properly validate access to internal files that should remain protected from external access. The flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-264, which covers permissions, privileges, and access control issues.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical path information that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. Remote attackers can use the disclosed path information to understand the application's directory structure and potentially identify other vulnerable files or components within the system. This information disclosure can facilitate subsequent attacks such as path traversal exploits, local file inclusion vulnerabilities, or even privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor configuration issues can create significant security risks, particularly when combined with other insecure practices. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1592 (Inventory of Vulnerable Targets), as it enables attackers to gather critical system information that can be used for further reconnaissance and exploitation activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper access controls and secure configuration practices. Organizations should disable register_globals in their PHP configurations and ensure that all sensitive system files are stored outside the web document root or protected with appropriate access controls. The application should be configured to prevent direct access to internal files through web requests, and proper authentication mechanisms should be implemented for any files that contain sensitive information. Security audits should verify that no sensitive files are stored in publicly accessible directories, and regular penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar path exposure issues. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output encoding practices can help prevent attackers from exploiting the information disclosure to gain further access to the system. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of following secure coding practices and maintaining proper file access controls in web applications, as these seemingly simple issues can create significant security risks when combined with other insecure configurations.