CVE-2007-0893 in phpMyVisites
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in phpMyVisites before 2.2 allows remote attackers to include arbitrary files via leading ".." sequences on the pmv_ck_view COOKIE parameter, which bypasses the protection scheme.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0893 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in phpMyVisites version 2.1 and earlier, which exposes systems to remote code execution risks through manipulated cookie parameters. This vulnerability specifically targets the pmv_ck_view COOKIE parameter where attackers can inject leading ".." sequences to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary files on the server. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the application's cookie handling mechanism, allowing malicious actors to bypass existing security protections designed to prevent unauthorized file access. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited without authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that process user-supplied data through cookie parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic directory traversal pattern where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the COOKIE parameter before using it in file inclusion operations. When phpMyVisites processes the pmv_ck_view parameter, it does not adequately filter or normalize the input to prevent path traversal sequences, enabling attackers to manipulate the file path resolution. This weakness aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in input validation practices where the application accepts user-controllable data without proper sanitization, creating a direct pathway for attackers to access sensitive files, configuration data, or even execute arbitrary code depending on the server configuration and file permissions.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-0893 extends beyond simple file access, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access database configuration files, application source code, user credentials, and potentially gain shell access to the underlying server. The vulnerability affects web applications that rely on cookie-based session management and file inclusion mechanisms, making it particularly relevant to web analytics and monitoring tools like phpMyVisites. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1566, specifically targeting credential access through the exploitation of application vulnerabilities, and can be categorized under T1059 for remote code execution capabilities that may result from successful exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected phpMyVisites installations to version 2.2 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization of cookie parameters. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation at multiple layers, including cookie processing, to prevent path traversal attempts. Security measures should include disabling unnecessary file inclusion features, implementing proper access controls, and establishing robust monitoring for suspicious cookie parameter patterns. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities, particularly focusing on file inclusion functions and cookie parameter handling. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper application security design principles, including the principle of least privilege, input validation, and secure coding practices that prevent attackers from manipulating application behavior through user-controllable inputs. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting similar directory traversal vulnerabilities.