CVE-2007-1100 in Pickle
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in download.php in Ahmet Sacan Pickle before 20070301 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2025
The directory traversal vulnerability identified in CVE-2007-1100 affects the Ahmet Sacan Pickle application version prior to 20070301, specifically within the download.php component. This flaw represents a classic path traversal attack vector that enables remote adversaries to access files outside the intended directory structure. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input passed through the file parameter, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the file path using directory traversal sequences.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the use of .. (dot dot) sequences within the file parameter to navigate upward through the directory hierarchy. When the download.php script processes user input without adequate validation, it accepts the traversal sequences and attempts to access files at the specified paths. This allows attackers to read arbitrary files on the server filesystem, potentially exposing sensitive information such as configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other confidential data stored on the affected system.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to system security and data integrity. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to files that should remain protected, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. This weakness allows attackers to access files and directories that are stored outside the intended directory, bypassing access controls and potentially exposing sensitive system information.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends beyond simple file reading, as it can be combined with other exploitation techniques to escalate privileges or gain deeper system access. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachment) where attackers might use the ability to read arbitrary files to gather intelligence or craft more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability also relates to T1213 (Data from Information Repositories) as it enables unauthorized access to stored data and configuration information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. The application should employ strict path validation that ensures all file access operations occur within predefined safe directories. Additionally, developers should implement proper access control mechanisms and avoid using user-supplied input directly in file system operations. The fix typically involves implementing a whitelist approach for file access or using secure file handling libraries that properly escape or validate input parameters. Regular security updates and patch management procedures should be implemented to ensure that vulnerable versions are promptly addressed, as this type of vulnerability often remains exploitable for extended periods without proper remediation.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and highlights how seemingly simple flaws can lead to significant security breaches. The persistence of such vulnerabilities in legacy systems underscores the need for comprehensive security testing and continuous monitoring of application components for similar weaknesses that could be exploited by threat actors. Organizations should implement automated security scanning tools to identify and remediate directory traversal vulnerabilities across their entire application portfolio.