CVE-2007-3424 in WebAPP
Summary
by MITRE
The moveim function in cgi-bin/cgi-lib/instantmessage.pl in web-app.org WebAPP before 0.9.9.7 uses the tocat parameter as a subdirectory name when moving an instant message, 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-2007-3424 resides within the web-app.org WebAPP software version 0.9.9.6 and earlier, specifically within the cgi-bin/cgi-lib/instantmessage.pl script. This flaw manifests in the moveim function which processes the tocat parameter as a subdirectory name during instant message relocation operations. The issue represents a classic path traversal vulnerability where user-controllable input directly influences directory navigation within the application's file system operations. The tocat parameter, when improperly validated or sanitized, allows attackers to manipulate the intended destination of instant messages through directory traversal techniques. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and path traversal flaws that have been consistently documented in security frameworks including CWE-22 and CWE-23, where improper input validation leads to unauthorized access to system resources. The potential impact extends beyond simple file manipulation to encompass broader system compromise opportunities when combined with other vulnerabilities or attack vectors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting malicious input for the tocat parameter that can traverse directory structures beyond the intended scope of the application's instant messaging functionality. Attackers can potentially move messages to unintended directories, access restricted file systems, or even execute arbitrary code depending on the underlying operating system and file permissions. The remote attack vector indicates that this vulnerability can be exploited without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that process user input from external sources. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, where the improper handling of user input could enable attackers to manipulate system operations through the message handling mechanism. The lack of proper input sanitization and validation creates an environment where attackers can manipulate the directory structure to which messages are moved, potentially leading to information disclosure, privilege escalation, or denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-3424 extends beyond immediate data manipulation capabilities to encompass broader security implications for organizations relying on the affected WebAPP software. Organizations using vulnerable versions face risks of unauthorized message interception, data leakage through improper directory access, and potential system compromise through exploitation of the path traversal mechanism. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems from external networks without requiring physical access or prior system compromise. This creates significant risk for web applications handling sensitive communications, as the flaw could enable attackers to access message archives, manipulate communication flows, or gain insights into system structure and user behavior. The unknown impact mentioned in the original description suggests that the full scope of potential damage may not have been fully understood at the time of vulnerability disclosure, indicating the need for comprehensive security assessments and the potential for additional attack vectors beyond the initial exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3424 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization for all user-controllable parameters, particularly those used in file system operations. The most effective remediation involves ensuring that the tocat parameter undergoes strict validation to prevent directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, and that all input is properly escaped or filtered before being used in directory operations. Organizations should implement proper access controls and least privilege principles for file system operations, ensuring that the application cannot traverse beyond designated directories. Upgrading to WebAPP version 0.9.9.7 or later represents the primary recommended mitigation, as this version includes fixes specifically addressing the path traversal vulnerability. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules can provide additional protection layers against exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of all web applications handling user input, particularly those with file system operations, to identify and remediate similar path traversal vulnerabilities. The fix should also include proper logging of directory operations and monitoring for unusual access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts, aligning with security best practices for detecting and responding to potential attacks against web applications.