CVE-2007-1934 in Eboard Module
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in member.php in the eBoard 1.0.7 module for PHP-Nuke allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the GLOBALS[name] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1934 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the eBoard 1.0.7 module for PHP-Nuke, a widely used content management system. This vulnerability resides in the member.php script which fails to properly validate user input parameters, specifically the GLOBALS[name] parameter. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms by exploiting the .. (dot dot) traversal sequence, allowing unauthorized access to arbitrary local files on the server. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of input sanitization and validation that directly violates secure coding practices recommended by the Open Web Application Security Project and other industry standards.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious request containing the .. sequence within the GLOBALS[name] parameter. When the eBoard module processes this parameter without proper validation, it allows the traversal mechanism to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access files that should remain restricted. The attack vector leverages the PHP include or require functions, which are commonly used in PHP-Nuke modules for dynamic content loading. When these functions receive unvalidated input containing directory traversal sequences, they execute the specified file paths, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or sensitive data disclosure. This vulnerability specifically targets the module's file inclusion logic, which typically handles user-provided parameters to determine which files to include or load, creating a direct pathway for attackers to access system files, configuration data, or even execute malicious code on the target server.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-1934 extends far beyond simple file access, as it provides attackers with the capability to compromise entire server environments. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to access database credentials, configuration files, user authentication details, and potentially gain shell access to the server. The vulnerability affects any system running PHP-Nuke with the vulnerable eBoard module, making it particularly dangerous in shared hosting environments or when multiple applications are deployed on the same server infrastructure. The attack can result in data breaches, service disruption, and unauthorized modification of web content. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries can execute commands through the included files. The vulnerability also maps to T1566 for credential access through the potential for accessing authentication-related files, and T1499 for impact through service disruption or data destruction.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures within the affected PHP-Nuke module. The most effective approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied parameters are properly sanitized before being processed by file inclusion functions. The recommended fix includes implementing a whitelist-based validation approach where only predetermined, safe values are accepted for the GLOBALS[name] parameter. Additionally, the module should be updated to use absolute path references rather than relative paths when performing file operations, and proper file access controls should be implemented to restrict access to sensitive system files. System administrators should also implement proper logging mechanisms to detect suspicious file access patterns and monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation, as recommended by the OWASP Top Ten Project and other security frameworks, emphasizing that all user input must be treated as untrusted and validated before processing.