CVE-2007-3423 in WebAPP
Summary
by MITRE
cgi-bin/cgi-lib/instantmessage.pl in web-app.org WebAPP before 0.9.9.7 uses the From field of an instant message as the beginning of the .dat file name when the (1) imview2 or (2) imview3 function reads (a) an internal IM, or a message from a (b) guest or (c) removed member, which has unknown impact and remote attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3423 resides within the web-app.org WebAPP software version 0.9.9.6 and earlier, specifically in the cgi-bin/cgi-lib/instantmessage.pl script. This flaw represents a directory traversal and file system manipulation issue that occurs when the application processes instant messages through the imview2 or imview3 functions. The vulnerability stems from the application's insecure handling of the From field from incoming instant messages, which is directly incorporated into the file naming process for .dat files without proper sanitization or validation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input from the From field of instant messages. When processing internal messages, guest messages, or messages from removed members, the system constructs file paths using the raw From field value as the initial portion of the .dat filename. This design flaw creates a potential for arbitrary file system access and manipulation, as malicious actors can craft From field values that may contain directory traversal sequences or other malicious path components. The vulnerability operates under CWE-22 which classifies it as Directory Traversal, and it aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file system manipulation to encompass potential remote code execution and data compromise scenarios. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could potentially read arbitrary files from the server's file system, write malicious content to sensitive locations, or even execute commands if the application's file handling process allows for such operations. The remote attack vectors are particularly concerning as they enable attackers to exploit this weakness from outside the network perimeter without requiring local access or authentication. The vulnerability's classification under the broader ATT&CK framework indicates potential for escalation to privilege escalation and lateral movement within compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied data, particularly fields used in file system operations. Implementing proper parameter validation, removing or escaping special characters from the From field, and using a whitelist approach for acceptable filename characters can effectively prevent exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing proper file access controls and limiting the application's file system permissions to prevent unauthorized file operations. The remediation process should include upgrading to web-app.org WebAPP version 0.9.9.7 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability, and conducting thorough security testing to ensure no other similar issues exist within the application's file handling mechanisms.