CVE-2007-0616 in ZenPhoto
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in zen/template-functions.php in zenphoto 1.0.4 up to 1.0.6 allows remote attackers to list arbitrary directories via ".." sequences in the album parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-0616 represents a classic directory traversal flaw that affects zenphoto versions 1.0.4 through 1.0.6. This issue resides within the template-functions.php file and specifically impacts the index.php script's handling of the album parameter. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to manipulate directory paths using double dot sequences, enabling them to access arbitrary directories on the web server filesystem. Such directory traversal vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can expose sensitive files, configuration data, and potentially lead to further system compromise. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters that are directly used in file system operations without proper path resolution or containment measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of the album parameter in the index.php script where user input is directly incorporated into file system calls without sufficient sanitization or validation. When an attacker submits a malicious album parameter containing ".." sequences, the web application processes these sequences without proper restrictions, allowing the traversal beyond the intended directory boundaries. 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. The vulnerability creates a condition where the application's file access logic fails to properly resolve or validate the requested paths, enabling attackers to navigate the file system hierarchy beyond the designated boundaries. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal file access controls and potentially gain access to sensitive files that should remain protected.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to web application security and data integrity. Attackers can leverage this weakness to enumerate directories, access sensitive configuration files, view source code of application components, and potentially discover other vulnerable applications or services running on the same server. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the ability to traverse directories may enable attackers to access database connection files, administrative credentials, or other sensitive data that could lead to complete system compromise. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachments) where attackers can use directory traversal to gather intelligence about the target system. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local system access or credentials to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. Organizations running affected versions of zenphoto face the risk of unauthorized data access, potential data exfiltration, and possible system compromise through the exposure of sensitive files.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve multiple layers of defense including immediate patching of affected zenphoto installations to versions that properly sanitize and validate user input. System administrators should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures that prevent the inclusion of directory traversal sequences in file path operations. The application should employ proper path resolution techniques that ensure all file operations occur within designated directories and reject any input that attempts to traverse beyond these boundaries. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles can help minimize the impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious directory traversal patterns in web server logs, and regular security assessments should verify that no other similar vulnerabilities exist in the application codebase. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block known patterns of directory traversal attacks, providing an additional layer of protection against exploitation attempts.