CVE-2007-2412 in Seir Anphin
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** Directory traversal vulnerability in modules/file.php in Seir Anphin allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a .. (dot dot) in the a[filepath] parameter. NOTE: a third party has disputed this issue because the a array is populated by a database query before use.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2412 represents a directory traversal flaw within the Seir Anphin content management system specifically in the modules/file.php component. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a well-documented weakness in software systems that fail to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file system operations. The issue manifests when the application processes the a[filepath] parameter without adequate sanitization, allowing remote attackers to manipulate the file path through directory traversal sequences.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the use of .. (dot dot) sequences in the a[filepath] parameter, which enables attackers to navigate outside the intended directory boundaries and access files that should remain protected. This allows unauthorized access to sensitive information that may include configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other confidential data stored on the server. The vulnerability's impact is significant as it provides attackers with the ability to bypass normal access controls and retrieve information that could be used for further exploitation or system compromise. The flaw essentially creates a pathway for attackers to explore the file system structure beyond the intended scope of the application's file handling capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more severe attacks including system compromise, data theft, or service disruption. When combined with other vulnerabilities or attack vectors, this directory traversal weakness could provide attackers with access to critical system components that could be leveraged for privilege escalation or to establish persistent access to the affected system. The fact that this vulnerability affects a content management system module means that organizations using Seir Anphin could be at risk of unauthorized access to their entire website or application infrastructure.
Despite the third-party dispute regarding this specific CVE, the fundamental security principle remains valid - improper input validation in file handling operations creates exploitable conditions. The disputed nature of this CVE likely stems from the specific implementation details where the a array is populated by a database query before use, suggesting that the vulnerability may not be as straightforward as initially reported or may require specific conditions to be exploitable. Organizations should still consider implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures for all file path parameters, regardless of the CVE's disputed status. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, which represents a reconnaissance technique that attackers frequently employ to gather information about system structures and identify potential targets for further exploitation.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied file path parameters, enforcing proper access controls and directory restrictions, and utilizing secure coding practices that prevent directory traversal attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms to detect and block suspicious path traversal sequences. The defensive measures should focus on ensuring that all file operations are performed within predetermined safe directories and that user input is properly validated before any file system operations are executed. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application.