CVE-2007-1140 in pheap
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in edit.php in pheap allows remote attackers to read and modify arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the filename parameter.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1140 represents a classic directory traversal flaw within the pheap content management system's edit.php component. This security weakness arises from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied filename parameters. The vulnerability specifically manifests when attackers manipulate the filename parameter to include directory traversal sequences such as .. which allows them to navigate outside the intended directory boundaries and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls 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. The flaw enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially read sensitive files including configuration data, database credentials, or other system files that should remain protected. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows both file reading and modification capabilities, giving attackers the potential to not only exfiltrate confidential information but also to alter system files and potentially compromise the entire server infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and gain persistent access to the affected system. Attackers can leverage this flaw to read system configuration files, application source code, or database connection details that could lead to further exploitation. The vulnerability is especially concerning in web applications where the web server process runs with elevated privileges, as it could potentially allow attackers to modify critical application files or inject malicious code into the system. This type of vulnerability is frequently categorized under the attack technique T1083 in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, which deals with file and directory discovery, often preceding more advanced exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1140 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application code. The most effective approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences or special characters that could be used to manipulate file paths. Developers should employ absolute path resolution techniques and maintain a whitelist of allowed filenames or directories to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation ensures that even if an attacker successfully exploits the vulnerability, their ability to cause damage remains limited. The system should also be configured to run with minimal required privileges, following the principle of least privilege to reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation. Regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application codebase.