CVE-2007-2266 in Webspeed Messenger
Summary
by MITRE
Progress Webspeed Messenger allows remote attackers to read, create, modify, and execute arbitrary files by invoking webutil/_cpyfile.p in the WService parameter to (1) cgiip.exe or (2) wsisa.dll in scripts/, as demonstrated by using the save,editor options to create a new file using the fileName parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2266 resides within Progress Webspeed Messenger, a web application framework that enables developers to create dynamic web content. This weakness represents a critical directory traversal and arbitrary file manipulation flaw that allows remote attackers to execute unauthorized operations on the underlying file system. The vulnerability specifically affects the webutil/_cpyfile.p component which is invoked through the WService parameter, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass normal access controls and gain unrestricted file system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input validation and authorization checks within the web application's file handling mechanisms. When attackers submit malicious parameters through the WService parameter to either cgiip.exe or wsisa.dll components located in the scripts/ directory, the system fails to validate the file paths or operations being requested. The save,editor options combined with the fileName parameter create a direct interface for attackers to manipulate files on the server, enabling them to read existing files, create new ones, modify existing content, and execute arbitrary code. This represents a classic case of insufficient input sanitization and inadequate access control enforcement.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete file system access to the affected server. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential information. The ability to create and execute arbitrary files means that attackers can deploy backdoors, malware, or additional malicious payloads to maintain persistent access to the compromised system. This vulnerability essentially transforms a web application into a remote command execution interface, allowing attackers to escalate privileges and potentially compromise the entire server infrastructure.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and CWE-74 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component). The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers can use this vulnerability to establish persistent access through file manipulation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation for all file operations, restriction of file system access permissions, and deployment of web application firewalls to block suspicious parameter combinations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of principle of least privilege enforcement and regular security auditing of web application components.