CVE-2007-1149 in LoveCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in LoveCMS 1.4 allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in (1) the step parameter to install/index.php or (2) the load parameter to the top-level URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-1149 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting LoveCMS version 1.4, which falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation issues. This vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input parameters before using them to construct file paths. The flaw specifically manifests in two distinct attack vectors within the content management system's installation and top-level URI handling mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of parameter values in HTTP requests to the affected application. Attackers can append directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation to navigate outside the intended directory structure. When the step parameter in install/index.php or the load parameter in the top-level URI receives such malicious input, the application processes these paths without adequate validation, allowing unauthorized access to files outside the web root directory. This weakness enables attackers to read arbitrary files on the server, potentially exposing sensitive information such as configuration files, database credentials, or source code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to potentially escalate their privileges and gain deeper system access. According to the CWE taxonomy, this vulnerability maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks. The attack vector aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachments), as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to discover sensitive files and potentially deliver additional malicious payloads. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the installation process and core URI handling, making it accessible to attackers without requiring authentication.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the application. The primary defense involves ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are strictly validated and sanitized before being used in file system operations. This includes implementing proper path normalization, rejecting any input containing directory traversal sequences, and using secure coding practices such as whitelisting acceptable parameter values. Additionally, the application should be configured with minimal necessary file permissions and access controls, ensuring that the web server process cannot read sensitive system files. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security updates and proper software maintenance, as this issue was resolved in subsequent versions of LoveCMS. Organizations should implement comprehensive security testing procedures including dynamic application security testing and static code analysis to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The remediation process should also involve restricting the application's ability to access sensitive directories and implementing proper error handling to prevent information leakage during file access attempts.