CVE-2007-2012 in CompreXX
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in MimarSinan CompreXX 4.1 allow remote attackers to create files in arbitrary directories via a .. (dot dot) in a (1) .rar, (2) .jar or (3) .zip archive.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2012 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within MimarSinan CompreXX 4.1 software, specifically affecting the handling of compressed archive files. This vulnerability exists in the software's extraction routines where it fails to properly validate or sanitize file paths contained within .rar, .jar, and .zip archives. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate archive contents through the use of .. (dot dot) sequences in file paths, enabling them to navigate outside the intended extraction directory and create files in arbitrary locations on the target system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" which is a fundamental security weakness that has been consistently exploited across various software platforms over many years.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation during archive extraction processes. When CompreXX 4.1 processes compressed files, it does not adequately sanitize the file paths contained within these archives before attempting to extract them to the target filesystem. Attackers can craft malicious archives containing entries with .. sequences that, when processed by the vulnerable software, result in file creation outside the intended directory structure. This occurs because the software fails to properly resolve or canonicalize file paths, allowing attackers to specify absolute paths or traverse directories beyond the designated extraction point. The vulnerability affects three major archive formats, indicating a systemic flaw in how the software handles compressed file extraction regardless of format, which amplifies the attack surface significantly.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2012 is substantial and potentially devastating for systems running vulnerable versions of MimarSinan CompreXX 4.1. Remote attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary file creation operations, potentially leading to unauthorized file system modifications, privilege escalation, or even system compromise. The ability to create files in arbitrary directories means attackers could potentially place malicious executables, configuration files, or other harmful content in critical system locations. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as the successful exploitation could enable attackers to deploy malicious payloads that execute under the privileges of the CompreXX process. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts, as exploitation could potentially enable attackers to establish persistence through file creation in system directories.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2012 should focus on immediate software updates and patches from the vendor, as this vulnerability was likely addressed in subsequent releases of MimarSinan CompreXX. Organizations should implement robust input validation mechanisms that canonicalize and sanitize all file paths before processing archive contents, ensuring that any .. sequences are properly handled or rejected during extraction operations. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure to systems running vulnerable software, particularly those that process untrusted archive files. System administrators should monitor for unauthorized file creation in critical directories and implement file integrity monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in archive handling components, which should be addressed through comprehensive security testing and code review processes that align with industry standards such as those recommended by the Open Web Application Security Project OWASP. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect and alert on the presence of vulnerable software versions in their environments, particularly focusing on legacy systems that may not receive regular security updates.