CVE-2007-3985 in SecurityReporter
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in file.cgi in Secure Computing SecurityReporter (aka Network Security Analyzer) 4.6.3 allows remote attackers to download arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the name parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3985 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within Secure Computing SecurityReporter version 4.6.3, specifically affecting the file.cgi component of the Network Security Analyzer product. This vulnerability exposes the system to unauthorized file access attempts by allowing remote attackers to manipulate the name parameter through the use of .. (dot dot) sequences, which are commonly exploited in directory traversal attacks. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the file.cgi script, which fails to properly restrict user-supplied data before processing file system requests. This allows malicious actors to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access files that should remain restricted, potentially including sensitive system files, configuration data, or user information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability operates through the manipulation of the name parameter within the file.cgi script, where attackers can append directory traversal sequences such as ../../ or ..\..\. These sequences enable the exploitation of the underlying file system by bypassing normal access controls and directory restrictions. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. Such attacks exploit weaknesses in input validation by allowing attackers to access files and directories stored outside the intended directory structure, often resulting in unauthorized data access, system compromise, or information disclosure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access critical system files that could contain sensitive configuration data, user credentials, or system logs. In the context of a network security analyzer, this represents a particularly severe risk since the system itself is designed to monitor and analyze network traffic, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise security monitoring capabilities. The remote nature of this exploit means that attackers do not require local system access or credentials to leverage the vulnerability, making it especially dangerous in networked environments where such systems are typically accessible from multiple locations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Secure Computing SecurityReporter version 4.6.3 to address the directory traversal flaw. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures within the file.cgi script, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are thoroughly checked for malicious sequences before processing file system operations. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit the attack surface and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system components. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious directory traversal patterns and blocking malicious requests. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege, ensuring that applications operate with minimal required permissions and that file system access is properly restricted. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scans to identify similar weaknesses in other network security tools and systems, as directory traversal vulnerabilities are commonly found in legacy applications and systems that have not received proper security updates. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, indicating that attackers can leverage such flaws to expand their reconnaissance efforts and identify valuable targets within the compromised system.