CVE-2007-2643 in Designs Gallery Magazin
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in phpThumb.php in PinkCrow Designs Gallery or maGAZIn 2.0 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the src parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2643 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the phpThumb.php component of PinkCrow Designs Gallery and maGAZIn 2.0 web applications. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing file operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the src parameter handling within the image thumbnail generation script, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to access arbitrary files on the server filesystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the improper handling of relative path references within the phpThumb.php script. When the application processes a request containing a src parameter with directory traversal sequences such as .. or similar constructs, the input validation fails to strip or escape these malicious elements. This allows attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access files that should remain restricted, including configuration files, database credentials, and other sensitive system resources. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests without requiring authentication or special privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources and potentially escalate their privileges within the affected environment. An attacker can leverage this weakness to read system files, configuration data, and potentially execute code if the application has write permissions to directories. The vulnerability affects the availability and integrity of the web application, as compromised files can be modified or deleted, leading to complete system compromise. According to CWE standards, this maps to CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal.
The exploitation of CVE-2007-2643 aligns with several tactics outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to credential access and privilege escalation. Attackers can use this vulnerability as part of a broader attack chain to gather intelligence about the target system, identify other potential vulnerabilities, and establish persistence within the compromised environment. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should consider implementing web application firewalls, input sanitization measures, and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the affected software versions, implementation of strict input validation for all user-supplied parameters, and deployment of proper access controls to limit file system access. Security teams should also consider implementing directory restriction mechanisms that prevent path traversal attempts, utilize secure coding practices that enforce proper file handling procedures, and conduct regular security testing to identify similar vulnerabilities. The remediation approach must address both the immediate exploitation vector and the underlying architectural weaknesses that allowed the vulnerability to exist in the first place.