CVE-2007-1801 in sBLOG
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in inc/lang.php in sBLOG 0.7.3 Beta allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the conf_lang_default parameter, as demonstrated by injecting PHP sequences into an Apache HTTP Server log file, which is then included by inc/lang.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1801 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the sBLOG 0.7.3 Beta content management system that exposes systems to remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability resides within the inc/lang.php file and specifically targets the conf_lang_default parameter, which fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before processing. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms by inserting directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation, thereby enabling access to arbitrary local files on the server filesystem. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack vector demonstrates a sophisticated technique where malicious actors exploit the logging mechanism of the Apache HTTP Server to inject PHP code into log files, which are subsequently included and executed by the vulnerable sBLOG application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access to encompass full remote code execution capabilities, as demonstrated by the attack methodology involving Apache log file injection. When attackers successfully inject PHP code into log files, the vulnerable sBLOG application processes these log files through the include statement in inc/lang.php, effectively executing malicious code on the target server. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages legitimate system logging mechanisms to bypass normal security controls, making detection more challenging for security monitoring systems. The attack scenario follows established patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries use web shells or PHP code injection to maintain persistence and execute commands on compromised systems. The vulnerability affects the application's core functionality by undermining the integrity of file inclusion processes, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or establish backdoors within the web application environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1801 require immediate patching of the sBLOG application to version 0.7.3 or later, as this vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases through proper input validation and sanitization of the conf_lang_default parameter. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures that reject or escape special characters including the dot dot notation in all user-controllable parameters. The recommended approach includes implementing a whitelist-based validation system that only accepts predefined, safe language codes while rejecting any input containing directory traversal sequences. Additionally, system administrators should configure the web server to restrict file inclusion permissions and ensure that log files are properly secured with appropriate access controls. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious file inclusion patterns and anomalous log file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security risks, specifically addressing the prevention of path traversal attacks through proper parameter validation and the principle of least privilege in file access controls. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can identify and block directory traversal attempts targeting known vulnerable applications and their specific parameter injection patterns.