CVE-2007-1539 in Landkarten
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in inc/map.func.php in pragmaMX Landkarten 2.1 module allows remote attackers to include arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) sequence in the module_name parameter, as demonstrated via a static PHP code injection attack in an Apache log file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1539 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the pragmaMX Landkarten 2.1 module, specifically affecting the inc/map.func.php component. This weakness enables remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms by exploiting a simple .. (dot dot) sequence within the module_name parameter, fundamentally undermining the application's security boundaries and file access controls. The vulnerability resides in the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input before processing file inclusion requests, creating an attack surface where arbitrary file access becomes possible through crafted malicious input sequences.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes directory traversal attacks as a fundamental weakness in input validation. Attackers can leverage this flaw to traverse the file system hierarchy and include arbitrary files on the target server, potentially leading to remote code execution or information disclosure. The demonstration of this vulnerability through static PHP code injection in Apache log files illustrates how attackers can inject malicious code that gets executed when the log file is subsequently included by the vulnerable application. This particular attack vector represents a sophisticated approach where the attacker first gains access to log files through other means, then manipulates the log content to include malicious payloads that are subsequently executed during file inclusion operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-1539 extends beyond simple file access violations, as it can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the application's core file inclusion functionality, allowing attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain access to sensitive system files, configuration data, or other resources that should remain protected. This type of vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in web applications where log files are commonly used for monitoring and security purposes, as attackers can manipulate these files to inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the web server process. The attack chain typically involves initial reconnaissance to identify the vulnerable parameter, followed by crafting of malicious input sequences that exploit the directory traversal mechanism.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms that prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed by the application. The most effective defense involves implementing strict parameter validation that filters out or rejects any input containing .. sequences or other directory traversal indicators. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and privilege separation to ensure that even if an attacker successfully exploits the vulnerability, they cannot access critical system resources. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack, as directory traversal flaws are common across many web applications and often stem from similar root causes. The implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can also provide additional layers of protection by detecting and blocking suspicious file inclusion patterns. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for scripting languages and T1566 for spearphishing attachments, as attackers can leverage the vulnerability to execute malicious code through log file manipulation.