CVE-2007-3547 in QuickTicket
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in qti_checkname.php in QuickTicket 1.2 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files a .. (dot dot) in the lang parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-3547 represents a classic directory traversal flaw that exists within the QuickTicket 1.2 web application's qti_checkname.php file. This issue specifically affects the handling of the lang parameter where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being used in file inclusion operations. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to validate or filter directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) that would allow an attacker to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary local files on the server filesystem.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the lang parameter in such a way that they can include and execute local files that should otherwise remain inaccessible to unauthorized users. The exploitation occurs when the application directly incorporates user input into file path operations without proper validation or sanitization, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can access sensitive system files, configuration data, or even execute arbitrary code depending on the server configuration and file permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise. Attackers leveraging this flaw could access critical system files, user credentials stored in configuration files, database connection details, or other sensitive information that might be accessible through the web application's file inclusion mechanism. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require local system access, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. In environments where the web application has elevated privileges or where sensitive files are stored in predictable locations, this vulnerability could provide attackers with a pathway to escalate their privileges or extract confidential data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization techniques that prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed by the application. The most effective approach involves filtering or rejecting any input containing .. sequences or other directory traversal patterns before they are used in file operations. Additionally, applications should implement proper access controls and ensure that the web application runs with minimal required privileges to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation. Security practitioners should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious directory traversal attempts, and regularly audit application code for similar vulnerabilities that might exist in other file inclusion operations throughout the codebase. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and the principle of least privilege when developing web applications that handle user input in file operations.