CVE-2007-1904 in Instant Messenger
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) 5.9 and earlier, and ICQ 5.1 and probably earlier, allows user-assisted remote attackers to write files to arbitrary locations via a .. (dot dot) in a filename in a file transfer operation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1904 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting legacy instant messaging clients from AOL and ICQ. This security weakness resides in the file transfer mechanisms of AIM version 5.9 and earlier, as well as ICQ version 5.1 and potentially older versions. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation during file transfer operations where the software fails to properly sanitize filenames containing directory traversal sequences. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious filenames that include double dot sequences, which are commonly used to navigate up directory levels in file systems. This particular flaw operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-22, specifically categorized as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')". The vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate the file system by specifying paths that would normally be restricted, allowing them to write files to arbitrary locations on the target system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file system manipulation, creating potential pathways for more severe attacks within the context of the targeted messaging platforms. When exploited, the vulnerability allows remote attackers to perform user-assisted file system operations that could result in arbitrary code execution, data corruption, or unauthorized file access. The attack requires minimal privileges and can be executed through legitimate file transfer mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages normal application functionality. The attack vector operates through the file transfer protocol implemented in these instant messaging clients, where the application processes filenames without proper validation of directory traversal sequences. This vulnerability directly aligns with MITRE ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript' and T1566.001 for 'Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment', as attackers can craft malicious attachments or file transfers that exploit this weakness to compromise systems. The flaw essentially removes the security boundaries that should normally prevent file operations from accessing system directories outside of intended locations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1904 require immediate attention from system administrators and security teams managing affected legacy systems. The most effective immediate solution involves applying vendor patches or upgrading to newer versions of AIM and ICQ that have addressed this directory traversal vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the exposure of these legacy applications to external threats. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file transfer patterns and directory traversal attempts within network traffic. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in applications that handle file operations and user-provided data. System administrators should consider implementing file system access controls and monitoring to prevent unauthorized file system modifications. The vulnerability also highlights the risks associated with maintaining legacy software systems and underscores the need for regular security assessments and updates. Organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected applications and systems that might exhibit similar directory traversal weaknesses. Implementation of network-based intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. Additionally, user education and awareness programs should emphasize the risks of accepting file transfers from untrusted sources, as this vulnerability requires user interaction to be successfully exploited.