CVE-2007-3620 in Maia Mailguard
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Maia Mailguard 1.0.2 and earlier might allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the (1) prevlang and (2) super parameters to (a) php/login.php; the (3) charset parameter to (a) php/login.php, (b) php/internal-init.php, and (c) php/xlogin.php; the (4) lang parameter to (b) php/internal-init.php; and the (5) language parameter to (c) php/xlogin.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2021
The CVE-2007-3620 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Maia Mailguard versions 1.0.2 and earlier, exposing multiple attack vectors through improper input validation in several php scripts. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-22 as it allows attackers to manipulate file path resolution through crafted input parameters, enabling unauthorized access to arbitrary files on the server filesystem. The vulnerability specifically targets the application's handling of user-supplied parameters in authentication and initialization scripts, creating pathways for malicious actors to bypass normal access controls and retrieve sensitive information.
The technical exploitation occurs through manipulation of specific parameters in multiple php files including php/login.php, php/internal-init.php, and php/xlogin.php. Attackers can construct malicious URLs with .. (dot dot) sequences in parameters such as prevlang, super, charset, lang, and language to navigate upward through the directory structure and access files outside the intended web root. This type of vulnerability directly enables path traversal attacks that fall under the ATT&CK technique T1566.002 for credential access through exploitation of weak input validation. The flaw exists because the application fails to properly sanitize or validate user input before using it in file operations, allowing attackers to inject directory traversal sequences that modify the intended file paths.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote attackers to access sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, user data, and potentially system files that should remain protected. An attacker could retrieve php configuration files containing database connection strings, application secrets, or other confidential information that could lead to further compromise of the system. The vulnerability affects the authentication and initialization processes of Maia Mailguard, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to the mail management system. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on the software for email security, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3620 should focus on immediate patching of Maia Mailguard to version 1.0.3 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent directory traversal attacks by rejecting or filtering out sequences containing .. or similar traversal patterns. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that web application processes run with minimal required permissions and that file access controls are properly configured. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules can limit access to the vulnerable application to trusted networks only. Regular security auditing and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications, with particular attention to parameter handling in authentication and initialization scripts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in web applications and aligns with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks for preventing common web application vulnerabilities.