CVE-2007-1044 in PowerSchool
Summary
by MITRE
Pearson Education PowerSchool 4.3.6 allows remote attackers to list the contents of the admin folder via a URI composed of the admin/ directory name and an arbitrary filename ending in ".js." NOTE: it was later reported that this issue had been addressed by 5.1.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-1044 represents a directory traversal and information disclosure flaw within Pearson Education PowerSchool version 4.3.6. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the web application's URI processing logic. The vulnerability specifically affects the administrative components of the PowerSchool learning management system, which is widely used in educational institutions for student information management and academic record keeping. The flaw allows remote attackers to access sensitive administrative files through crafted URI requests that manipulate the application's file access routines.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a weakness in how the application handles URI requests containing the admin/ directory path combined with arbitrary filenames ending in .js extension. This type of flaw falls under CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient access control where the application fails to properly validate user input before processing file access requests. Attackers can leverage this weakness to enumerate directory contents and potentially access sensitive administrative files that should be restricted to authorized users only.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with insights into the application's internal structure and potentially exposes sensitive administrative resources. Educational institutions relying on PowerSchool systems face significant risks when this vulnerability remains unpatched, as it could lead to unauthorized access to student records, administrative configurations, and other sensitive data. The vulnerability represents a critical security gap in the application's authorization model, as it allows remote attackers to bypass normal access controls without requiring valid credentials. This type of attack aligns with techniques documented in the ATT&CK framework under T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers may use the discovered information to plan more sophisticated attacks against the target organization.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of the vendor-provided patch available in version 5.1.2, which addresses this specific directory traversal vulnerability. Additionally, implementing network-level controls such as web application firewalls and access control lists can provide defense-in-depth measures. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications within the organization's infrastructure. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing functionality while maintaining the application's core educational management capabilities.