CVE-2007-3707 in CodeIgniter
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in CodeIgniter 1.5.3 before 20070628, when enable_query_strings is true, allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the c parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3707 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the CodeIgniter web application framework version 1.5.3 and earlier. This security weakness specifically affects applications that have the enable_query_strings configuration parameter set to true, creating an exploitable condition that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server. The vulnerability manifests through the manipulation of the c parameter in the index.php script, allowing malicious actors to traverse directory structures and potentially access sensitive system files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the framework's routing mechanism. When enable_query_strings is enabled, the application processes query string parameters directly without proper sanitization or validation of directory paths. The .. (dot dot) traversal sequence in the c parameter allows attackers to navigate upward through the directory structure, bypassing intended access controls and potentially accessing files outside the intended web root directory. This flaw operates at the core of the framework's request handling process where user-supplied input is not properly filtered before being used to construct file paths.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-3707 extends beyond simple file disclosure, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive system information including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential data. Depending on the server configuration and file permissions, successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or further attack vectors such as privilege escalation. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security posture of any CodeIgniter application running with query string support enabled, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where sensitive data processing occurs.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique under the T1059.001 sub-technique for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain access to system resources and potentially execute malicious code. Organizations should immediately update to CodeIgniter version 1.5.3 or later where this vulnerability has been patched, and consider disabling query string support in the application configuration when possible to reduce attack surface.
Mitigation strategies include implementing proper input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file path construction. The recommended approach involves using a whitelist-based validation system that only accepts predefined, safe directory paths or implementing proper path normalization techniques that eliminate directory traversal sequences. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their web applications, implement proper access controls and file permissions, and consider deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious traversal attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping web application frameworks updated and following security best practices such as principle of least privilege and defense in depth strategies.