CVE-2007-0888 in TFTP server
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the TFTP server in Kiwi CatTools before 3.2.0 beta allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files, and upload files to arbitrary locations, via ..// (dot dot) sequences in the pathname argument to an FTP (1) GET or (2) PUT command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-0888 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the TFTP server component of Kiwi CatTools software version 3.2.0 beta and earlier. This issue fundamentally compromises the security boundaries of the network infrastructure by allowing unauthorized remote access to system files and directories that should remain protected. The vulnerability specifically affects the handling of pathname arguments during file transfer operations, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass normal access controls and manipulate file system operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path normalization within the TFTP server's processing logic. When the server receives GET or PUT commands with pathname arguments containing ..// sequences, it fails to properly sanitize or resolve these path components, allowing attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries. This flaw operates at the core of file system access controls, where the ..// notation typically represents parent directory traversal in Unix-like systems, but the vulnerable software does not properly interpret or restrict such sequences. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-22, which specifically addresses Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it enables both read and write operations to arbitrary locations within the system. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive configuration files, system binaries, or user data through GET commands, while PUT commands allow for malicious file uploads that could compromise system integrity. This dual capability creates a complete attack surface where threat actors can both exfiltrate valuable information and establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations using Kiwi CatTools for network management and automation, potentially exposing critical network devices and their configurations to unauthorized access.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates over network protocols without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated scanning and exploitation. Network administrators who rely on Kiwi CatTools for managing network devices may unknowingly expose their entire infrastructure to remote attackers who can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to network configurations, credentials, or other sensitive operational data. The vulnerability's presence in the TFTP server component means that even systems with otherwise secure configurations could be compromised if they use Kiwi CatTools for network management tasks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate software updates to version 3.2.0 beta or later, where the directory traversal protection has been implemented. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate systems running Kiwi CatTools from critical network infrastructure, while monitoring for suspicious file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Network access controls should be configured to restrict access to TFTP services to trusted networks only, and regular security assessments should verify that no other services within the network infrastructure suffer from similar path traversal vulnerabilities. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in network security implementations, as highlighted by ATT&CK technique T1078 which addresses Valid Accounts and T1566 which covers Phishing with Malicious Attachments.