CVE-2007-3326 in vBulletin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in vBulletin 3.x.x allow remote attackers to redirect visitors to arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in (1) the loc parameter to admincp/index.php and (2) the Hyperlink information URl field for post Topic in showthread.php, enabling cross-site scripting (XSS) and other attacks, a different vulnerability than CVE-2005-3025.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3326 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting vBulletin 3.x.x forums, specifically targeting version 3.5.0 and earlier releases. This vulnerability exists within the administrative control panel and forum post handling mechanisms, creating a significant security risk that could allow remote attackers to manipulate file access and potentially execute malicious code. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the software's core components, particularly in how the system processes user-supplied parameters that control file paths and URL redirections.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through two distinct attack vectors that exploit the same underlying weakness in input handling. The first vector targets the loc parameter within admincp/index.php, where an attacker can inject directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation to navigate to arbitrary local files on the server. The second vector operates through the Hyperlink information URL field in showthread.php, where malicious users can craft specially formatted links that bypass normal validation checks. Both attack paths leverage the fundamental flaw of insufficient parameter sanitization, allowing attackers to manipulate file system access and potentially read sensitive server files, including configuration data, user credentials, and other confidential information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple directory traversal, as it enables cross-site scripting attacks that can compromise user sessions and potentially lead to complete system compromise. When combined with the directory traversal capabilities, attackers can not only access local files but also inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers. This creates a dangerous environment where attackers can steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, and potentially escalate privileges within the forum system. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-22 (Directory Traversal) and its relationship to the broader ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques demonstrates how this flaw can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks, particularly when combined with other vulnerabilities present in the same software ecosystem.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including input validation patches, web application firewall rules, and access controls that restrict administrative access to the affected parameters. The recommended approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences, along with regular security audits of all user-supplied data. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing network segmentation, monitoring for suspicious URL patterns, and ensuring that all vBulletin installations are updated to versions that have addressed this specific vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework's guidance on defending against privilege escalation and credential access attacks suggests that organizations should also implement comprehensive logging and monitoring of administrative activities to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain audit trails for forensic analysis.