CVE-2007-2250 in Phorum
Summary
by MITRE
admin.php in Phorum before 5.1.22 allows remote attackers to obtain the full path via the module[] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2250 affects Phorum versions prior to 5.1.22 and represents a path disclosure issue within the admin.php script. This flaw specifically involves the module[] parameter which when manipulated by remote attackers can reveal the complete server path structure to unauthorized users. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling mechanisms within the administrative interface of the Phorum content management system. Such path disclosure vulnerabilities are particularly concerning as they provide attackers with detailed information about the server environment including file paths, directory structures, and potentially sensitive system configurations that could be leveraged for further exploitation. The issue falls under the category of information disclosure vulnerabilities and is classified as CWE-200 according to the Common Weakness Enumeration framework.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the admin.php script processes the module[] parameter without proper sanitization or validation. When an attacker submits a malformed or specially crafted module[] parameter, the script fails to properly handle the input and instead reveals the full server path in error messages or response data. This occurs due to insufficient filtering of user-supplied input and the lack of proper exception handling within the application's codebase. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to map the server filesystem structure, which can aid in identifying other potential attack vectors and understanding the underlying system architecture. This type of information leakage can be exploited as a reconnaissance step in broader attack campaigns and aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the information gathering phase.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2250 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical system intelligence that can facilitate more sophisticated attacks. The revealed path information can help attackers identify specific file locations, understand the application's directory structure, and potentially locate other vulnerable components or configuration files. This vulnerability can be particularly dangerous when combined with other exploits, as it removes the need for attackers to perform manual reconnaissance of the target system. The exposure of full paths can also reveal sensitive information about the server environment including operating system details, web server configurations, and potentially even database connection strings or other credential information that might be embedded within the path structure. Organizations running affected Phorum versions face increased risk of successful compromise as this information disclosure can serve as a foundation for more targeted attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2250 involve immediate patching of the Phorum application to version 5.1.22 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the path disclosure vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the application to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components. The application should be configured to suppress detailed error messages from being displayed to end users, instead logging errors internally while presenting generic messages to users. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious parameter manipulation attempts targeting this vulnerability. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar input validation issues throughout the application. Organizations should also consider implementing proper logging and monitoring of administrative functions to detect unusual parameter usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper error handling as outlined in various security standards including OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.