CVE-2007-2633 in SiteStudio
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in H-Sphere SiteStudio 1.6 allows remote attackers to read, or include and execute, arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the template parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2633 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within H-Sphere SiteStudio version 1.6, a web-based content management system designed for hosting environments. This weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data, specifically within the template parameter handling functionality. The vulnerability enables malicious actors to manipulate file paths through the use of directory traversal sequences such as ".." or "%2e%2e", allowing unauthorized access to sensitive system resources that should remain protected from external exposure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application processes template parameters without proper validation of the input values, creating an opportunity for attackers to navigate through the file system hierarchy. When a user submits a request containing traversal sequences in the template parameter, the system fails to properly resolve the intended file path, instead interpreting the malicious input as a legitimate navigation command. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability exists at the application layer where user input is directly incorporated into file system operations without adequate sanitization or access control measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with the capability to read arbitrary local files, including sensitive configuration files, database credentials, and system binaries. In a hosting environment like H-Sphere SiteStudio, this could potentially lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code through include directives, escalate privileges, or extract confidential information. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web-hosting environments where multiple customers share the same infrastructure. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1059.007 for command and script injection and T1566 for phishing with malicious attachments, as the traversal can be used to access system files that might contain credentials or other sensitive data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap and implement comprehensive input validation controls. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to a secure version of H-Sphere SiteStudio that properly sanitizes template parameters and implements strict input validation. The solution should include implementing a whitelist-based approach for template parameter handling, where only predetermined and validated template names are accepted, and all user-supplied input undergoes rigorous sanitization before being processed. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation ensures that even if traversal attempts succeed, the attacker cannot access files beyond the intended application scope. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious traversal patterns, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the hosting environment. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that legitimate functionality remains intact while eliminating the attack vectors that enable this directory traversal exploitation.