CVE-2007-3158 in ASP Folder Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
download_script.asp in ASP Folder Gallery allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a filename in the file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3158 affects the ASP Folder Gallery web application through its download_script.asp component, representing a critical directory traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the target system. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the file parameter handling mechanism, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the filename parameter to navigate through the file system hierarchy and retrieve sensitive information. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. Such flaws typically arise when applications fail to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file system operations, creating opportunities for attackers to bypass intended access controls and gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malicious filename parameter to the download_script.asp endpoint, potentially using sequences such as ../ or ..\ to traverse directories and access files outside the intended download directory. This allows attackers to read configuration files, source code, database credentials, and other sensitive materials that should remain protected within the application's restricted access zones. The flaw essentially removes the security boundary that should prevent file access beyond the designated download area, enabling attackers to potentially access system files, application logs, and other confidential information stored on the server. The impact is particularly severe because it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other vulnerabilities or when sensitive files such as database connection strings, administrative credentials, or application configuration files are accessible through this path traversal mechanism.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations deploying ASP Folder Gallery applications, as it allows remote code execution capabilities through file retrieval and can lead to data breaches, system infiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The attack surface extends beyond simple information disclosure to include potential privilege escalation scenarios where attackers can access files that may contain authentication tokens, session information, or other sensitive data that could be leveraged for further compromise. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002, which involves accessing data through web applications, and represents a common vector for initial access and privilege escalation in penetration testing scenarios. Organizations utilizing this application face immediate risk of unauthorized data access and potential system compromise, particularly if the application runs with elevated privileges or has access to sensitive system resources.
Effective mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3158 require implementing robust input validation mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied parameters before processing file system operations. The most effective approach involves implementing a whitelist-based validation system that only accepts predetermined, safe file names or paths while rejecting any input containing directory traversal sequences or special characters that could manipulate the file path. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and ensure that the application runs with minimal required privileges, limiting the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security auditing of web applications should include checks for similar path traversal vulnerabilities, and input validation should be implemented at multiple layers of the application architecture. The fix typically involves modifying the download_script.asp to properly validate and sanitize the filename parameter, ensuring that it only references files within the intended download directory and rejects any attempts to traverse parent directories. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining regular patching schedules to address known vulnerabilities in web application frameworks and components.