CVE-2007-2050 in RicarGBooK
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in header.php in RicarGBooK 1.2.1 allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in (1) a lang cookie or (2) the language parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2050 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in RicarGBooK version 1.2.1, specifically within the header.php component. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. The flaw exists in the application's handling of language parameters and cookie values, creating an exploitable condition where remote attackers can manipulate the application's file system access patterns through crafted input sequences containing directory traversal sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the absence of proper path validation and sanitization in the application's header.php file. When the application processes user input through either the lang cookie or language parameter, it directly incorporates these values into file inclusion operations without sufficient verification or filtering. Attackers can construct malicious input strings containing sequences such as "../" or "..\" that manipulate the file system path resolution, enabling them to traverse directories and access arbitrary local files on the server. This type of 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.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables full remote code execution capabilities when combined with appropriate conditions. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can include and execute arbitrary local files on the target system, potentially gaining complete control over the application server. This represents a severe privilege escalation opportunity that could allow attackers to access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, user information, and other confidential data stored within the application's directory structure. The vulnerability affects the core application functionality and can lead to complete system compromise, making it a high-severity issue according to standard security frameworks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate code-level fixes and broader architectural security improvements. The primary remediation involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Security controls should enforce whitelisting of valid language codes and reject any input containing directory traversal sequences or special characters. Additionally, the application should implement proper file path resolution techniques that prevent traversal beyond designated directories, utilizing secure coding practices such as canonical path resolution and absolute path validation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms to detect and block malicious traversal attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in application design, as outlined in various security standards including those referenced in the MITRE ATT&CK framework for command and control operations through file system manipulation.