CVE-2007-1636 in RoseOnlineCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in RoseOnlineCMS 3 B1 allows remote attackers to include arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) sequence in the op parameter, as demonstrated by injecting PHP code into Apache log files via the URL and User-Agent HTTP header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1636 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the RoseOnlineCMS 3 B1 content management system. This weakness stems from inadequate input validation in the index.php script where the op parameter fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data containing directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability specifically manifests when attackers manipulate the op parameter to include .. (dot dot) sequences, enabling them to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access arbitrary files on the server. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal or Directory Traversal attacks. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway demonstrates sophisticated attack techniques that leverage the interaction between web applications and server log files, creating a particularly dangerous vector for code execution and data compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple file access, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code within the context of the web application. The demonstration of the attack vector through Apache log file injection highlights the sophisticated nature of this flaw, where attackers can manipulate the User-Agent HTTP header to inject malicious code that gets stored in server logs. When the web application processes these log files, the injected PHP code executes, providing attackers with remote code execution capabilities. This particular exploitation technique leverages the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter with PHP, and T1566.002 for Phishing with Malicious File, as attackers can craft malicious headers that appear legitimate to the server while delivering malicious payloads. The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to escalate privileges from mere file access to full system compromise, as they can execute commands with the privileges of the web server process.
Security implications of CVE-2007-1636 are severe and multifaceted, as the vulnerability creates a persistent backdoor mechanism that can be maintained across system reboots through log file manipulation. The attack's reliance on Apache log files means that even after the initial compromise, attackers can maintain access as long as the log files remain accessible and are processed by the vulnerable application. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates poor input validation practices that are fundamental to secure coding standards. Organizations utilizing RoseOnlineCMS 3 B1 face significant risks including data theft, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers can perform actions such as creating new user accounts, modifying existing files, accessing sensitive data, and potentially establishing persistent access through the compromised log files. The attack vector represents a classic example of how seemingly benign HTTP headers can become weaponized when applications fail to properly validate and sanitize user input.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The primary fix involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file operations or path resolution. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation that rejects or strips directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e from input parameters before processing. The implementation should follow secure coding guidelines that align with OWASP Top Ten security practices and specifically address the prevention of path traversal attacks. Additionally, the web application should employ proper access controls and privilege separation, ensuring that the web server process runs with minimal required permissions. System administrators should implement log file rotation and access controls to limit the exposure of log files to the vulnerable application. Regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping CMS systems updated, as this particular flaw was likely addressed in subsequent versions of RoseOnlineCMS through proper input validation mechanisms and secure coding practices that prevent directory traversal attacks.