CVE-2007-1932 in scarnews
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in scarnews.inc.php in ScarNews 1.2.1 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the sn_admin_dir parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1932 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the ScarNews 1.2.1 content management system, specifically affecting the scarnews.inc.php file. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate file inclusion processes. The flaw manifests when the sn_admin_dir parameter receives a .. (dot dot) sequence, which allows attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access arbitrary local files on the server filesystem.
This directory traversal vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration classification of CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The security implications are severe as this flaw enables remote code execution capabilities when combined with appropriate file inclusion techniques, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code on the vulnerable system. The vulnerability exists because the application does not properly validate or sanitize the sn_admin_dir parameter, permitting attackers to craft malicious input that bypasses normal file access controls and directory restrictions.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-1932 extends beyond simple file disclosure to encompass full system compromise potential. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive system files, configuration data, database credentials, and potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the web server process. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication, making it accessible to any remote user who can submit requests to the vulnerable application. This vulnerability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, where adversaries execute commands through web-based interfaces, and T1566.001 for Phishing, as attackers often discover such vulnerabilities through reconnaissance activities targeting web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization measures within the ScarNews application. System administrators should implement strict parameter validation that rejects or filters out directory traversal sequences such as .., %2e%2e, or other encoded variants that could be used to exploit this weakness. The recommended approach involves implementing a whitelist-based validation system that only accepts predefined, safe directory paths, or employing proper path normalization techniques that resolve directory traversal attempts before they can be processed. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by running the web application with minimal necessary permissions and ensuring that the application's directory structure is properly secured to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive files. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious directory traversal patterns, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities across their web application portfolio.