CVE-2007-1928 in witshare
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in witshare 0.9 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the menu parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1928 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the witshare 0.9 content management system. This vulnerability exists in the index.php script where the application fails to properly validate user input passed through the menu parameter. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate file paths by injecting .. (dot dot) sequences, enabling them to traverse the directory structure and access arbitrary local files on the server. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a fundamental security weakness in file access control mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without authentication, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can send crafted HTTP requests to the affected system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious request containing directory traversal sequences in the menu parameter of the index.php script. When the application processes this input without proper sanitization, it allows the attacker to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access sensitive files such as configuration files, database credentials, or system files. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and proper path resolution, where the application does not adequately restrict file access based on user-supplied parameters. This vulnerability can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code or obtain sensitive information, depending on the files that can be accessed through the traversal mechanism. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a path traversal attack under the technique of T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python, though in this case it's more specifically related to file system traversal and privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-1928 is severe and multifaceted, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to read sensitive files such as database connection strings, application configuration files, or even system-level files that could provide additional attack vectors. The vulnerability can also enable attackers to upload and execute malicious files, potentially leading to full system compromise and persistent access. Organizations running witshare 0.9 are at significant risk of data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and potential use as a stepping stone for further attacks within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not need physical access to the system or local network privileges to carry out the attack, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. This type of vulnerability is commonly exploited in automated scanning campaigns, making systems with unpatched versions highly susceptible to compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1928 require immediate implementation of input validation and proper parameter sanitization. The most effective approach is to implement strict input validation on all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file access operations. Organizations should implement proper path resolution mechanisms that prevent directory traversal attempts by rejecting or filtering out sequences containing .. characters. The application should validate that the requested file paths are within the intended directory boundaries and reject any attempts to access files outside of the designated application directories. Additionally, implementing a whitelist approach for valid menu parameters can prevent arbitrary file inclusion attacks. System administrators should ensure that witshare 0.9 is updated to the latest version or patched according to vendor advisories. The implementation of proper access controls and least privilege principles can also limit the damage if an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability. Security monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect and alert on suspicious file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.