CVE-2007-1850 in Drake
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in classes/captcha/captcha.jpg.php in Drake CMS allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files or list arbitrary directories, and obtain the installation path, via a .. (dot dot) in the d_private parameter. NOTE: Drake CMS has only a beta version available, and the vendor has previously stated "We do not consider security reports valid until the first official release of Drake CMS."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1850 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Drake CMS content management system, specifically affecting the captcha.jpg.php file located in the classes/captcha directory. This weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters, particularly the d_private parameter which is susceptible to manipulation through directory traversal sequences. The flaw operates by allowing remote attackers to exploit the lack of proper path validation, enabling them to navigate through the file system hierarchy using standard dot-dot-sequence notation. The vulnerability impacts the core security architecture of the system by permitting unauthorized access to sensitive files and directories that should remain protected from external inspection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the improper handling of the d_private parameter within the captcha.jpg.php script, which directly incorporates user input into file path operations without adequate sanitization or validation. This creates an exploitable condition where an attacker can manipulate the parameter to traverse directories beyond the intended scope of the application's file access controls. The vulnerability follows the established pattern of directory traversal attacks that are classified under CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass normal file access restrictions and potentially gain access to sensitive system information, configuration files, or even source code that should be protected from unauthorized access.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to the security posture of any system running Drake CMS, particularly given that the software was in beta status at the time of discovery. The ability to list arbitrary directories and read arbitrary files means that attackers could potentially discover the complete installation path of the CMS, which serves as a valuable reconnaissance asset for further exploitation attempts. The exposure of installation paths can reveal critical system information including file locations, directory structures, and potentially sensitive configuration details that could be leveraged in subsequent attacks. Additionally, the vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access or local system privileges to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous as it can be targeted from anywhere on the internet.
The security implications extend beyond simple file access, as directory traversal vulnerabilities often serve as entry points for more sophisticated attacks within the broader MITRE ATT&CK framework. This particular vulnerability could enable attackers to escalate their privileges through information disclosure, potentially leading to privilege escalation or lateral movement within the compromised environment. The lack of vendor support for security reports prior to the first official release creates a dangerous gap in security coverage, as organizations implementing this beta software may not receive timely patches or security guidance. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader security assessment, implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact. The recommended mitigations include immediate input validation implementation, proper parameter sanitization, and restricting file access permissions to prevent unauthorized traversal operations. Additionally, organizations should implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious traversal attempts, while also ensuring that all software components are regularly updated to address known vulnerabilities.