CVE-2007-2425 in Imageview
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in fileview.php in Imageview 5.3 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the album parameter.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2425 represents a classic directory traversal flaw that existed within the Imageview 5.3 web application's fileview.php component. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and allows malicious actors to access files outside the intended directory structure. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input passed through the album parameter, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate file paths and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the fileview.php script. When users provide an album parameter containing directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e, the application processes these inputs without proper sanitization or path normalization. This allows attackers to navigate upward through the directory structure and access files that should remain protected within the web application's restricted paths. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables remote code execution capabilities, as attackers can potentially read system configuration files, database credentials, or other sensitive data stored on the server.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to web application security and can lead to data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The impact extends beyond simple file access, as attackers may be able to retrieve configuration files containing database connection strings, application secrets, or other critical system information that could facilitate further attacks. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit the flaw, making it particularly attractive for widespread exploitation.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of mitigation to address this vulnerability. Input validation and sanitization should be enforced at the application level, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters undergo strict validation before being processed. The implementation of a whitelist approach for acceptable album parameter values can prevent malicious traversal sequences from being processed. Additionally, proper file access controls and the principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit the application's ability to access sensitive system files. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory traversal attacks. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls and regular security assessments to detect and prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components of their web infrastructure.