CVE-2007-1152 in Pyrophobia
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Pyrophobia 2.1.3.1 allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the (1) act or (2) pid parameter to the top-level URI (index.php), or the (3) action parameter to admin/index.php. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-1152 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Pyrophobia version 2.1.3.1, a web application framework that was widely used in early 2000s web development environments. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and allows remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server through manipulated input parameters. The flaw manifests in three distinct attack vectors that exploit the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input before processing file operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially access sensitive system files, configuration data, and user information that should remain protected. Such directory traversal vulnerabilities are classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" which is a fundamental security weakness that has been consistently identified in web applications throughout the industry.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of specific URI parameters that control application behavior and file access operations. Attackers can craft malicious requests that include double dot sequences ".." within the act or pid parameters of the main index.php endpoint, or within the action parameter of the admin/index.php administrative interface. These parameter values are processed without adequate input validation, allowing the application to interpret the traversal sequences and navigate to unintended directories on the file system. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper input sanitization and path validation mechanisms, where user-controllable data is directly incorporated into file system operations without proper security checks. This type of flaw is particularly concerning in web applications where administrative interfaces are accessible, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive administrative functions and data.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-1152 extends beyond simple file reading capabilities to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to access database configuration files, application source code, user credentials stored in configuration files, and potentially system-level files that contain sensitive information. The vulnerability affects both public-facing application endpoints and administrative interfaces, making it particularly dangerous for applications that handle sensitive data or provide administrative functions. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the system or prior authentication, significantly expanding the attack surface and making the vulnerability more dangerous than local privilege escalation issues. Organizations running affected versions of Pyrophobia would face potential data breaches, system compromise, and regulatory compliance violations that could result in significant financial and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1152 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms across all user-controllable parameters. The most effective approach involves implementing strict input filtering that rejects or removes any directory traversal sequences from user input before processing. This includes implementing proper path validation that ensures all file operations occur within designated safe directories and that relative paths are properly resolved without allowing navigation outside intended boundaries. Organizations should also implement the principle of least privilege by restricting file system access permissions and ensuring that web applications operate with minimal required privileges. Additionally, application developers should employ secure coding practices that include input validation, output encoding, and proper error handling to prevent information leakage that could aid attackers in exploiting similar vulnerabilities. The remediation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers credential access through various means including directory traversal attacks, and emphasizes the importance of proper input validation as a fundamental security control that should be implemented at multiple layers of application architecture.