CVE-2007-0659 in MODX
Summary
by MITRE
download.php in the MuddyDogPaws FileDownload snippet before 2.5 for MODx allows remote attackers to download arbitrary files, as demonstrated by downloading config.inc.php to obtain database credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0659 affects the MuddyDogPaws FileDownload snippet version 2.4 and earlier within the MODx content management system. This represents a critical directory traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the web server hosting the vulnerable application. The vulnerability exists within the download.php component which processes file download requests without proper input validation or access control mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating the file parameter in the download request to navigate the file system and retrieve sensitive information from locations outside the intended download directory. The specific demonstration of this vulnerability shows how an attacker can target and download config.inc.php, a file that typically contains database connection credentials and other sensitive configuration data. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category for Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal or Directory Traversal.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization within the download.php script. When a user requests a file download, the application accepts the filename parameter directly without validating or sanitizing the input to ensure it remains within the designated download directory. This allows attackers to use directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to move up the directory hierarchy and access files that should remain protected. The flaw represents a fundamental lack of proper access controls and input validation, creating an opportunity for attackers to bypass normal file access restrictions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows access to configuration files that may contain database passwords, API keys, and other sensitive credentials that could be used to compromise the entire application infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-0659 is severe and multifaceted. Successful exploitation provides attackers with unauthorized access to critical system configuration files, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Database credentials obtained through this vulnerability could enable attackers to extract, modify, or delete sensitive data from the underlying database. The vulnerability also exposes the possibility of accessing other sensitive files such as backup files, log files, or application source code that may contain additional security flaws or sensitive information. This type of vulnerability can be leveraged as an initial foothold for more extensive attacks, potentially leading to privilege escalation, lateral movement within the network, or even complete system takeover. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no special privileges or authentication, making it accessible to anyone who can access the vulnerable web application.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0659 should focus on implementing proper input validation and access controls to prevent directory traversal attacks. The primary fix involves modifying the download.php script to sanitize all user-provided filename parameters and ensure they remain within the designated download directory. This can be achieved through several methods including absolute path validation, canonicalization of file paths, and implementing a whitelist approach for allowed files. Organizations should also consider implementing proper file access controls using the principle of least privilege, ensuring that the web application has minimal file system access rights. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping CMS platforms and their components up to date with security patches, as the issue was resolved in version 2.5 of the MuddyDogPaws FileDownload snippet. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack, as this type of flaw is common in legacy systems and can be exploited as part of broader attack campaigns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for secure coding practices and proper input validation, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for Valid Accounts and T1566 for Phishing, as attackers often use such initial access vulnerabilities to establish persistent access to compromised systems.