CVE-2007-1906 in Hot Editor
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in richedit/keyboard.php in eCardMAX HotEditor (Hot Editor) 4.0, and the HotEditor plugin for MyBB, allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the first parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1906 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the eCardMAX HotEditor component version 4.0 and its MyBB plugin implementation. This security weakness resides in the richedit/keyboard.php file where improper input validation allows malicious actors to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms through crafted directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability specifically exploits the absence of proper sanitization for the first parameter, enabling attackers to navigate the file system beyond intended boundaries using the .. (dot dot) sequence. This flaw fundamentally undermines the application's security model by permitting unauthorized access to local file systems and potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the HotEditor component. When the application processes user-supplied input through the first parameter without proper filtering or validation, it fails to prevent directory traversal sequences from being interpreted as legitimate file paths. This weakness aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The vulnerability operates by allowing attackers to construct malicious file paths that bypass normal access controls, effectively enabling them to access files that should remain protected within the application's directory structure. The exploitation mechanism specifically targets the file inclusion functionality that relies on user input to determine which keyboard configuration files to load.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass full system compromise potential. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary local files, potentially gaining access to sensitive configuration files, user data, or system resources. The attack vector requires minimal privileges and can be executed through web-based interfaces, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. This vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges, extract confidential information, or establish persistent access points within the compromised environment. The implications are significant for MyBB installations that utilize the HotEditor plugin, as it could lead to complete platform compromise and unauthorized access to all user data managed by the forum software.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1906 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the affected application. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing strict parameter validation that filters out directory traversal sequences before they can be processed by the file inclusion functions. Organizations should also consider implementing proper access controls and privilege separation to limit the damage that can be caused by successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, the use of secure coding practices including the principle of least privilege and input validation should be enforced across all application components. Security patches or updates from the vendor should be applied immediately, and system administrators should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of adhering to secure coding standards and implementing proper input validation as outlined in various security frameworks including those referenced in the ATT&CK framework for defensive measures against such path traversal attacks.