CVE-2007-2747 in rdiffWeb
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in rdw_helpers.py in rdiffWeb before 0.3.5.1 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the path parameter to the /browse URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2747 represents a classic directory traversal flaw that existed in the rdiffWeb web application prior to version 0.3.5.1. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. The flaw was present in the rdw_helpers.py file, which served as a helper module for the rdiffWeb application's browsing functionality. The vulnerability specifically affected the /browse URI endpoint where user-supplied path parameters were not properly sanitized or validated before being processed by the application's file system operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allowed remote attackers to manipulate file system access by injecting .. (dot dot) sequences into the path parameter of the browse URI. When the application processed these malicious inputs, it would interpret the directory traversal sequences and attempt to access files outside of the intended directory structure. This occurred because the application failed to implement proper input validation or path normalization techniques that would prevent such traversal attacks. The vulnerability essentially allowed attackers to bypass normal file access controls and potentially read sensitive files that should have been restricted to authorized users only.
The operational impact of this vulnerability was significant as it provided remote attackers with unauthorized access to arbitrary files on the server where rdiffWeb was installed. Depending on the server configuration and file permissions, attackers could potentially access configuration files, user data, system files, or other sensitive information that was not intended to be publicly accessible. This could lead to information disclosure, privilege escalation, or further exploitation of the compromised system. The vulnerability was particularly dangerous because it required no authentication to exploit, making it a serious security risk for any system running vulnerable versions of rdiffWeb.
The remediation for this vulnerability involved implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the rdw_helpers.py file. The fix required ensuring that all user-supplied path parameters were properly validated to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. This typically involved implementing path normalization functions that would resolve or reject any path components containing .. sequences, or implementing strict access controls that limited file system access to predefined directories. Organizations using rdiffWeb should have upgraded to version 0.3.5.1 or later to address this vulnerability. The fix aligns with defensive programming practices recommended in the ATT&CK framework under techniques related to input validation and access control enforcement, specifically targeting the mitigation of path traversal attacks that could lead to unauthorized data access.