CVE-2007-1138 in Simple Plantilla PHP
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in list_main_pages.php in Cromosoft Simple Plantilla PHP (SPP) allows remote attackers to list arbitrary directories, and read arbitrary files, via an absolute pathname in the nfolder parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2025
The CVE-2007-1138 vulnerability represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw in the Cromosoft Simple Plantilla PHP (SPP) web application, specifically within the list_main_pages.php component. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation and demonstrates a classic path traversal attack vector that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files and directories on the target system. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input passed through the nfolder parameter, allowing malicious actors to manipulate directory paths and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the SPP application's file handling routines. When an attacker supplies an absolute pathname through the nfolder parameter, the application processes this input without adequate checks or restrictions, enabling the traversal of the file system beyond intended boundaries. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability operates by constructing malicious file paths that bypass normal access controls, allowing attackers to enumerate directory structures and retrieve content from arbitrary locations on the server filesystem.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-1138 extends beyond simple directory listing capabilities to encompass full read access to arbitrary files on the compromised system. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential information that may reside on the same server. This exposure creates significant risk for organizations relying on the vulnerable SPP application, as it provides unauthorized access to potentially critical system resources. The vulnerability also enables attackers to perform reconnaissance activities by enumerating system directories and identifying potentially vulnerable components or sensitive files that may exist within the application's directory structure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization measures within the application's file handling processes. The most effective approach involves validating all user-supplied input through strict whitelisting mechanisms that only permit predefined, safe directory paths or implementing proper path normalization techniques that prevent absolute path traversal. Organizations should also consider implementing proper access controls and privilege separation to limit the damage that could occur even if such vulnerabilities are exploited. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar input validation weaknesses that may exist in other application components. This vulnerability serves as a prime example of why adherence to secure coding practices and implementation of proper input validation are essential security controls within web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1083 for discovering system information and T1078 for valid accounts usage.