CVE-2007-1031 in Vivvo Article Management CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in include/db_conn.php in SpoonLabs Vivvo Article Management CMS 3.4 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via the root parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1031 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the SpoonLabs Vivvo Article Management CMS version 3.4, specifically affecting the include/db_conn.php component. This weakness enables remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms by exploiting the root parameter, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on the affected system. The vulnerability resides in the application's improper handling of user-supplied input during file inclusion operations, creating an avenue for malicious actors to access sensitive system files and execute unauthorized commands.
The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates a classic path traversal vulnerability where the root parameter in db_conn.php fails to properly validate or sanitize input from external sources. When an attacker supplies a malicious value to this parameter, the application processes the input without adequate restrictions, allowing the inclusion of local files from unexpected directories. This behavior directly aligns with CWE-22, which catalogs improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically within the file inclusion functionality that should only permit access to predetermined, secure file paths.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-1031 extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the target server, potentially gaining administrative privileges and establishing persistent access to the compromised environment. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications accessible over the internet. This vulnerability can lead to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, and the deployment of backdoors or additional malware within the compromised infrastructure, representing a significant threat to organizational security posture.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within the application code. The most effective approach involves removing or properly escaping user-supplied input before it is processed in file inclusion operations, ensuring that all paths are validated against a strict whitelist of acceptable values. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation can limit the damage from successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider applying the vendor-supplied patches or upgrading to newer versions of the Vivvo CMS that address this specific vulnerability. The remediation process should align with ATT&CK framework techniques related to privilege escalation and persistence, ensuring that defensive measures address both the immediate vulnerability and potential post-exploitation activities that attackers might employ.