CVE-2007-1427 in AssetMan
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in download_pdf.php in AssetMan 2.4a and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the pdf_file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1427 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the AssetMan 2.4a content management system, specifically affecting the download_pdf.php component. This security weakness enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system by manipulating the pdf_file parameter through directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's file handling processes, allowing malicious users to bypass normal access controls and potentially obtain sensitive information from the server's file system.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack vector operates by exploiting insufficient validation of user-supplied input, where the pdf_file parameter fails to properly sanitize or validate the incoming path information before processing. When an attacker submits a crafted payload containing directory traversal sequences, the application processes these requests without adequate restrictions, enabling access to files outside the intended directory structure. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of proper input validation and access control implementation within the web application's file retrieval mechanism.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, potentially exposing sensitive system information including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential data that may reside on the server. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gain insights into the application's architecture, identify additional vulnerabilities, or extract critical information that could facilitate further exploitation. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. This weakness could lead to complete system compromise if sensitive files containing authentication credentials or database connection strings are accessible through the traversal mechanism.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1427 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization measures to prevent directory traversal attacks. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to a non-vulnerable version of AssetMan, as the vulnerability affects versions 2.4a and earlier. Additionally, implementing proper input validation techniques including whitelisting acceptable file paths, implementing strict file access controls, and utilizing secure coding practices that prevent user input from directly influencing file system operations. The remediation approach should incorporate the principle of least privilege, ensuring that the application operates with minimal necessary permissions and that file access is properly restricted. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components and implement automated security testing to prevent regression of such flaws in future development cycles. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for credential access through web application vulnerabilities and represents a critical threat that requires immediate attention to prevent potential data breaches and system compromise.