CVE-2007-2560 in ACGVannu
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in theme/acgv.php in ACGVannu 1.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the rubrik parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2560 represents a classic directory traversal flaw within the ACGVannu web application version 1.3 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the theme/acgv.php script where user input containing directory traversal sequences is not properly validated or sanitized before being processed. The specific parameter affected is rubrik, which when manipulated with .. (dot dot) sequences allows attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category known as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')", which is one of the most commonly exploited security flaws in web applications. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables remote code execution capabilities and sensitive data exposure without requiring authentication or specialized privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malicious payload through the rubrik parameter that contains directory traversal sequences such as ../../etc/passwd or ../../../windows/system32/drivers/etc/hosts. The application fails to validate or sanitize this input, allowing the traversal sequences to be interpreted by the underlying operating system as legitimate path navigation commands. When the application processes these sequences, it effectively changes the working directory to a location outside the intended web root directory, enabling access to system files that should remain protected. This flaw is classified under the ATT&CK technique T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, as it allows adversaries to enumerate and access files that are not intended for public viewing. The vulnerability can be exploited through simple http requests, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no complex exploitation techniques or specialized tools.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data breaches. Attackers can potentially access database configuration files, application source code, user credentials stored in configuration files, and system-level files that contain sensitive information. This vulnerability can also serve as a stepping stone for further attacks, allowing threat actors to gain insights into the system architecture and identify additional vulnerabilities. The affected ACGVannu application likely stores sensitive data in accessible locations, and this flaw provides unauthorized access to that information. Organizations running this vulnerable software face significant risk of data exposure, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences due to unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability affects web applications that use PHP and follow traditional file inclusion patterns, making it relevant to a wide range of legacy web applications that may not have been updated with proper input validation measures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms. The primary defense involves ensuring that all user-supplied input is properly validated before being processed by the application, particularly parameters that may be used in file operations. This includes implementing strict whitelisting of acceptable input values and rejecting any input containing directory traversal sequences or special characters. The application should also employ proper access controls and implement the principle of least privilege, ensuring that the web application runs with minimal required permissions and cannot access system files. Additionally, developers should implement proper file access controls and use secure coding practices such as input validation, output encoding, and proper error handling. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify similar flaws in other applications and systems. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts, while regular security updates and patches should be applied to address known vulnerabilities in the application and underlying systems.