CVE-2007-2271 in USP FOSS Distribution
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Rajneel Lal TotaRam USP FOSS Distribution 1.01 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the dnld parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2024
The directory traversal vulnerability identified in CVE-2007-2271 affects the Rajneel Lal TotaRam USP FOSS Distribution version 1.01, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system. This vulnerability specifically manifests within the file download functionality where the application fails to properly validate input parameters, particularly the dnld parameter that controls file retrieval operations. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the file path through the use of .. (dot dot) sequences, effectively bypassing intended access controls and directory restrictions. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and validation mechanisms within the application's file handling routines. When the dnld parameter contains directory traversal sequences, the application processes these inputs without proper normalization or validation, allowing the attacker to navigate beyond the intended download directory and access sensitive system files. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication or privileged access, making it exploitable by any remote attacker who can submit malicious requests to the vulnerable application. This weakness creates a direct pathway for unauthorized information disclosure, potentially exposing configuration files, source code, database credentials, or other sensitive data stored on the server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks within the compromised environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain insights into the system architecture, identify additional vulnerabilities, and potentially escalate privileges or access other system components. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or network proximity to the target system. This characteristic significantly increases the attack surface and makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications that handle file downloads or similar operations. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access and reconnaissance, as it enables adversaries to gather system information and potentially extract sensitive data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2271 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within the application's file handling components. The most effective approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects or normalizes directory traversal sequences before processing file paths. System administrators should also consider implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles, ensuring that the application operates with minimal required permissions and that sensitive files are stored outside the web root directory. Additionally, the application should employ proper path normalization techniques that resolve relative paths and eliminate special characters that could enable traversal attacks. Regular security updates and patch management practices are essential to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities, while monitoring and logging of file access operations can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malicious directory traversal attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in preventing path traversal attacks, as highlighted by industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines that emphasize the need for proper sanitization of user inputs to prevent various injection-based attacks.