CVE-2007-2048 in Glue
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in /console in the Management Console in webMethods Glue 6.5.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary system files via a .. (dot dot) in the resource parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2015
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2048 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the webMethods Glue Management Console component version 6.5.1 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the console's handling of resource parameters, specifically within the /console endpoint where user input is not adequately sanitized or validated. The flaw allows malicious actors to exploit the system's file access mechanisms by manipulating the resource parameter with directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) characters. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input validation within the webMethods Glue Management Console's resource handling logic. When a remote attacker submits a crafted request containing directory traversal sequences in the resource parameter, the system fails to properly sanitize or restrict the path resolution process. This allows the attacker to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access arbitrary system files that should normally be restricted from external access. The vulnerability specifically affects the Management Console's ability to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input before processing file system operations, creating an attack surface where sensitive system information can be accessed without proper authorization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to potentially sensitive system files and configurations. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to system configuration files, application source code, database connection details, authentication credentials, and other sensitive information that may be stored within the application's file system. This access could lead to further exploitation opportunities including privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to execute the attack without requiring any local system access or prior authentication, making it a significant threat to the overall security posture of systems running vulnerable versions of webMethods Glue.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2048 should prioritize immediate patching of affected webMethods Glue installations to version 6.5.2 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to address the directory traversal vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures within their web applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components. The remediation process should include thorough code reviews to ensure that all file system access operations properly validate and sanitize user input before processing. Security controls should be implemented at multiple layers including network-level filtering to restrict access to management consoles, proper access controls to limit who can access sensitive administrative interfaces, and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar path traversal vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious directory traversal attempts and provide additional defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms in preventing unauthorized system access and highlights the need for continuous security monitoring and patch management processes.