CVE-2007-0664 in thttpd
Summary
by MITRE
thttpd before 2.25b-r6 in Gentoo Linux is started from the system root directory (/) by the Gentoo baselayout 1.12.6 package, which allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0664 affects thttpd web server versions prior to 2.25b-r6 in Gentoo Linux distributions. This represents a critical security flaw that stems from the web server's improper initialization process during system boot. The issue occurs because thttpd is launched from the root directory (/) rather than a designated web root directory, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to access files beyond the intended web content area. This misconfiguration creates a fundamental path traversal vulnerability that directly violates secure coding principles and system hardening practices.
The technical flaw manifests through the web server's execution context and working directory initialization. When thttpd starts with the current working directory set to the root filesystem, any relative path references within the web server's configuration or request handling can be exploited to traverse the filesystem hierarchy. Attackers can leverage this by crafting specific HTTP requests that reference files using directory traversal sequences such as ../ or similar mechanisms. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal file access controls and retrieve any file that the thttpd process has permission to read, potentially including system configuration files, password hashes, or sensitive application data. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as Path Traversal and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 for File and Directory Discovery.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a persistent attack vector that can be exploited by any remote user with access to the web server. The vulnerability affects systems where the baselayout package version 1.12.6 or earlier is installed, which was common in many Gentoo Linux installations during that time period. Remote attackers can systematically enumerate and extract sensitive files from the system, potentially leading to credential theft, system compromise, or further reconnaissance activities. The vulnerability's persistence means that once exploited, it remains active until the system is properly patched or the web server is restarted with correct configuration parameters. This makes it particularly dangerous in production environments where web servers are continuously running and accessible to external networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0664 require immediate system updates to patch the vulnerable thttpd version to 2.25b-r6 or later, which addresses the root cause by ensuring proper working directory initialization. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as restricting file access permissions for the thttpd process, configuring proper chroot environments, and ensuring that the web server operates from a designated and secure directory rather than the root filesystem. Network-level mitigations including firewall rules that restrict access to the web server and intrusion detection systems that monitor for suspicious path traversal attempts can provide additional layers of protection. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive system audits to identify any other services running with similar directory traversal vulnerabilities, as this type of misconfiguration often indicates broader security gaps in system hardening practices. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper privilege separation and secure default configurations in web server deployments, aligning with security frameworks that emphasize the principle of least privilege and secure system initialization.