CVE-2007-2369 in WebSPELL
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in picture.php in WebSPELL 4.01.02 and earlier, when PHP before 4.3.0 is used, allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2369 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the WebSPELL content management system version 4.01.02 and earlier releases. This security weakness specifically affects systems where PHP versions prior to 4.3.0 are deployed, creating an exploitable condition that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected server. The vulnerability manifests through the picture.php script which fails to properly validate user input in the id parameter, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the id parameter using directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) characters. When an attacker submits a crafted request containing these traversal sequences, the application processes the input without adequate sanitization or validation, resulting in the server executing file operations that should be restricted. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability exploits the fundamental lack of input validation mechanisms that should prevent attackers from navigating beyond the intended directory structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially allow attackers to access sensitive files including configuration data, database credentials, user information, and other system resources that should remain protected. In environments where WebSPELL is deployed with older PHP versions, this vulnerability creates a significant attack surface that could lead to complete system compromise. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require local system access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to obtain administrative access, steal user credentials, or extract confidential data that could be used for further exploitation within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2369 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and proper input validation implementation. The primary solution involves upgrading to WebSPELL versions that address this vulnerability, along with ensuring that the underlying PHP installation is updated to version 4.3.0 or later, which includes enhanced security features and proper path validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict input validation for all user-supplied data, particularly parameters used in file operations, and employ proper access control measures that prevent traversal beyond designated directories. Additionally, security measures such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of keeping software components updated and highlights the risks associated with using outdated PHP versions that lack modern security protections, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through web shell commands and T1566.001 for initial access through web applications.