CVE-2007-1720 in PHP-Nuke
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in addressbook.php in the Addressbook 1.2 module for PHP-Nuke allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the module_name parameter, as demonstrated by injecting PHP sequences into an Apache HTTP Server log file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1720 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Addressbook 1.2 module for PHP-Nuke systems. This security weakness resides in the addressbook.php script which fails to properly validate user input parameters, specifically the module_name parameter that controls module inclusion operations. The flaw enables malicious actors to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms by leveraging directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary local files on the server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted directory traversal attack where an attacker injects .. sequences into the module_name parameter. This allows the application to interpret the input as a legitimate file path while actually pointing to sensitive system files or log files. The demonstration of this attack vector involves injecting PHP code sequences into Apache HTTP Server log files, which can then be executed when the vulnerable application attempts to include and process these log files through the flawed file inclusion mechanism. This creates a dangerous scenario where attackers can execute arbitrary code on the target server with the privileges of the web application.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-1720 extends beyond simple file disclosure to full system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains the ability to execute arbitrary commands on the web server, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The vulnerability affects systems running PHP-Nuke with the Addressbook 1.2 module, making it particularly dangerous for content management systems that rely on modular architecture and dynamic file inclusion. The attack requires minimal privileges and can be executed remotely, making it a significant threat to web application security. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes directory traversal attacks as a fundamental weakness in input validation and file access control mechanisms.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense against this vulnerability including immediate patching of affected PHP-Nuke installations, proper input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, and implementation of proper access controls to restrict file inclusion operations. The mitigation strategy must address the root cause by ensuring that all file inclusion operations validate paths against a whitelist of acceptable directories and reject any input containing directory traversal sequences. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious directory traversal attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and execution techniques, specifically targeting the use of insecure file inclusion patterns that allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on compromised systems. Regular security audits and code reviews should focus on identifying similar vulnerable patterns in other applications to prevent analogous attacks.