CVE-2007-2285 in Ext JS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in examples/layout/feed-proxy.php in Jack Slocum Ext 1.0 alpha1 (Ext JS) allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the feed parameter. NOTE: analysis by third party researchers indicates that this issue might be platform dependent.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2285 represents a directory traversal flaw within the Ext JS JavaScript framework version 1.0 alpha1, specifically in the feed-proxy.php example file located in the examples/layout directory. This directory traversal vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters, particularly the feed parameter that processes URL paths without proper restrictions on directory navigation sequences. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate file access by injecting .. (dot dot) sequences into the feed parameter, enabling them to traverse the file system and access arbitrary files on the server hosting the vulnerable application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental weakness in path resolution where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the feed parameter before processing it as a file path. When an attacker supplies a malicious feed parameter containing directory traversal sequences such as ../../etc/passwd or ../../../windows/system32/drivers/etc/hosts, the application processes these sequences without adequate validation, resulting in unauthorized file access. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, where adversaries attempt to enumerate files and directories to identify sensitive information. The vulnerability exists because the application does not implement proper input validation mechanisms to prevent path traversal attacks, allowing attackers to bypass normal access controls and directly access files outside the intended directory structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially expose sensitive system files, configuration data, and application resources to unauthorized parties. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to access critical system files such as password databases, configuration files containing database credentials, application source code, or other sensitive data stored on the server. The platform dependency noted in the vulnerability description suggests that the exploitation effectiveness may vary across different operating systems and server configurations, though the core vulnerability remains consistent across platforms. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications built using Ext JS framework components where the feed-proxy.php example is implemented, making it a significant concern for organizations running legacy Ext JS applications that have not been properly updated or patched. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical flaw in secure coding practices and highlights the importance of implementing proper input validation and access control mechanisms in web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2285 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization measures to prevent directory traversal attacks. The primary recommendation involves implementing strict parameter validation that filters or rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences such as .., %2e%2e, or similar encoded representations. Organizations should implement proper path validation that ensures all file access operations occur within predefined safe directories and reject any requests that attempt to access parent directories or absolute paths. Additionally, the application should employ proper access control mechanisms that restrict file access to authorized users and implement the principle of least privilege for file system operations. Security patches should be applied to update to newer versions of Ext JS that address this vulnerability, and organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their applications to identify similar directory traversal vulnerabilities in other components. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation rules can provide additional layers of protection against such attacks, while regular security monitoring and code reviews should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future development cycles.