CVE-2007-1449 in PHP-Nuke
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in mainfile.php in PHP-Nuke 8.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the lang parameter.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1449 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in PHP-Nuke version 8.0 and earlier, specifically within the mainfile.php component. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing. The flaw manifests when the application accepts the lang parameter without adequate filtering, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths through directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation. This weakness enables attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" which is a fundamental security issue affecting numerous web applications. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially execute malicious code depending on the server configuration and file permissions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers submit crafted requests containing directory traversal sequences in the lang parameter. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper input sanitization and validation routines that would normally reject or filter out potentially dangerous path traversal sequences. When PHP-Nuke processes the lang parameter without adequate security controls, it allows the .. characters to be interpreted as directory navigation commands, enabling access to files outside the intended web root directory. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple http GET requests without requiring authentication or special privileges. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be leveraged to access not only configuration files containing database credentials and administrative passwords but also system files that may contain sensitive information. According to ATT&CK framework, this represents a technique categorized under T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, where adversaries attempt to gather information about the file system structure and locate sensitive files. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the importance of implementing proper access controls and secure coding practices.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-1449 extends far beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract database configuration files, administrative credentials, and other sensitive information that could facilitate further attacks. The vulnerability also enables attackers to potentially upload malicious files or modify existing application components, leading to persistent access and potential privilege escalation. Organizations running affected PHP-Nuke versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects a widely used content management system, making it a prime target for automated scanning and exploitation. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a classic example of how inadequate input validation can lead to severe security consequences, as highlighted in industry best practices for secure web application development. The flaw demonstrates the critical importance of implementing defense-in-depth strategies including proper input validation, access controls, and regular security updates to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited in real-world scenarios.
The recommended mitigations for CVE-2007-1449 involve immediate patching of affected PHP-Nuke installations to versions that properly implement input validation and sanitization. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation routines that reject or filter out directory traversal sequences before processing user input. The solution should include implementing a whitelist approach for language parameters, ensuring that only predefined, safe values are accepted. Additionally, system administrators should restrict file permissions and implement proper access controls to limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security measures should include monitoring for suspicious file access patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify attempts to exploit directory traversal vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious requests containing directory traversal sequences. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch or mitigation does not introduce regressions in application functionality while effectively addressing the security flaw. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the web application infrastructure. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust input validation as fundamental security controls.