CVE-2007-2613 in WikkaWiki
Summary
by MITRE
WikkaWiki (Wikka Wiki) before 1.1.6.3 allows attackers in a shared virtual host server environment to upload and execute an arbitrary configuration file by modifying the WAKKA_CONFIG environment variable.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2613 affects WikkaWiki versions prior to 1.1.6.3, presenting a critical security flaw that enables attackers to execute arbitrary code through manipulation of the WAKKA_CONFIG environment variable. This issue specifically manifests in shared virtual host server environments where multiple websites or applications coexist on the same physical server infrastructure. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of environment variables that control configuration file paths, creating a path traversal and code execution vector that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of the WAKKA_CONFIG environment variable which is used by WikkaWiki to determine the location of its configuration file. When an attacker can control this environment variable, they can redirect the application to load a configuration file from an arbitrary location, potentially including a location where they have uploaded a malicious configuration file containing malicious code or commands. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category of Path Traversal, specifically representing an insecure direct object reference that allows attackers to access files outside of the intended directory structure. The flaw essentially allows for arbitrary file inclusion through environment variable manipulation rather than traditional file upload mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it enables attackers to gain full control over the affected WikkaWiki installation and potentially the underlying server. In shared hosting environments, this could allow an attacker to compromise not only the specific WikkaWiki instance but also potentially access other applications or data hosted on the same server. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it does not require direct file upload capabilities or complex exploitation techniques - simply manipulating an environment variable provides the necessary access to execute arbitrary code. This vulnerability represents a significant risk in multi-tenant hosting environments where proper isolation between different hosted applications is not maintained.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2613 primarily focus on upgrading to WikkaWiki version 1.1.6.3 or later, which includes proper input validation and environment variable sanitization. Organizations should also implement proper environment variable isolation and validation mechanisms to prevent unauthorized modification of critical configuration parameters. Additional protective measures include restricting access to environment variable modification capabilities, implementing proper file permission controls, and ensuring that shared hosting environments maintain proper isolation between different hosted applications. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566.002 for Phishing, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code through environment manipulation and potentially establish persistence. System administrators should also implement monitoring for unusual environment variable changes and consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.