CVE-2007-3846 in TortoiseSVN
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Subversion before 1.4.5, as used by TortoiseSVN before 1.4.5 and possibly other products, when run on Windows-based systems, allows remote authenticated users to overwrite and create arbitrary files via a ..\ (dot dot backslash) sequence in the filename, as stored in the file repository.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2019
This directory traversal vulnerability exists in Subversion versions prior to 1.4.5 and affects TortoiseSVN versions before 1.4.5 when operating on Windows systems. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation in the file handling mechanisms that process filenames containing ..\ sequences. When a user with authenticated access submits a filename containing this specific traversal pattern, the system fails to properly sanitize the input before processing it within the repository structure. This vulnerability specifically targets Windows-based environments where the backslash character serves as the path separator, creating a unique attack vector that differs from Unix-like systems which typically use forward slashes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the way Windows handles path resolution and file operations. When a ..\ sequence is processed in a filename, it should normally be interpreted as a request to navigate up one directory level. However, the vulnerable Subversion implementation does not properly validate or normalize these paths, allowing maliciously crafted filenames to bypass normal directory restrictions. This creates a condition where authenticated users can manipulate the file system by specifying paths that would normally be restricted or inaccessible. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the repository level, meaning that successful exploitation could result in arbitrary file creation or overwriting of existing files within the repository structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file manipulation, as it represents a significant security risk for version control systems that store sensitive code and configuration data. Attackers with authenticated access can leverage this weakness to overwrite critical files within the repository, potentially corrupting version history, injecting malicious code, or creating backdoors through file placement. The vulnerability also enables attackers to create arbitrary files in locations where they should not have write permissions, which could lead to privilege escalation scenarios or system compromise. This issue particularly affects organizations relying on Subversion for source code management, as it undermines the integrity of their version control systems and could result in data loss or unauthorized modifications to critical software components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of affected Subversion and TortoiseSVN installations to versions 1.4.5 or later where the directory traversal protection has been implemented. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization measures at the application level, ensuring that all filename inputs are normalized and validated before processing. The fix typically involves implementing strict path validation that prevents ..\ sequences from being processed in filenames, particularly on Windows systems where such sequences can be exploited. Additionally, security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments of their version control systems and ensure that all components are kept up to date with the latest security patches. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 directory traversal weakness and could be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution through command-line interfaces, though the specific vector here involves repository manipulation rather than direct command execution.