CVE-2007-1124 in Simple one-file gallery
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in gallery.php in XeroXer Simple one-file gallery allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the f parameter.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1124 represents a classic directory traversal flaw within the XeroXer Simple one-file gallery application. This security weakness resides in the gallery.php script where user input is not properly sanitized before being used to construct file paths. The vulnerability specifically affects the f parameter which processes file names without adequate validation, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the path resolution mechanism. Such flaws fall under the common weakness enumeration CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, also known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack vector leverages the standard Unix/Linux directory navigation sequences using double dots .. to move up directory levels, enabling unauthorized access to files outside the intended gallery directory structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of input validation and sanitization in the gallery.php script. When a remote attacker submits a malicious f parameter containing directory traversal sequences, the application processes these inputs directly without proper path validation or canonicalization. This allows the attacker to construct arbitrary file paths that can access sensitive system files, configuration data, or other resources that should remain protected. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within a single-file gallery system, meaning the entire application logic resides in one script file, making the attack surface more concentrated and potentially more impactful. The attacker can leverage this vulnerability to access not only gallery-related files but potentially system configuration files, user data, or even application source code that could reveal additional attack vectors.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-1124 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate their privileges and potentially gain deeper system access. This vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1083 - File and Directory Discovery tactic, where adversaries attempt to enumerate the file system to identify sensitive information. The vulnerability can be exploited to access configuration files that may contain database credentials, application secrets, or other sensitive information that could lead to further compromise. Additionally, attackers might use this vulnerability to read system files such as /etc/passwd or /etc/shadow, or application files that could reveal implementation details and lead to more sophisticated attacks. The single-file nature of the application means that the attack surface is limited but concentrated, making this vulnerability particularly impactful when combined with other exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1124 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the gallery.php script. The most effective approach involves implementing strict path validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e. Organizations should implement proper canonicalization of file paths and ensure that all file operations occur within a designated safe directory, preventing access to parent directories. The implementation should include whitelisting of allowed file extensions and names, as well as implementing proper access controls that restrict file operations to authorized users only. Security measures should also include regular code reviews and vulnerability assessments to identify similar patterns in other parts of the application. From a defense-in-depth perspective, network segmentation and monitoring of unusual file access patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block directory traversal attempts would provide an additional layer of protection against this specific vulnerability. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation in preventing path traversal attacks, which remain a persistent threat in web application security.