CVE-2007-4028 in Webspell
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in index.php in Webspell 4.01.02 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a full pathname in the site parameter. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-4028 represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw in the Webspell 4.01.02 content management system. This vulnerability exists within the index.php file where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input passed through the site parameter. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the application's file inclusion mechanism by providing a full pathname, thereby bypassing normal access controls and potentially executing arbitrary code on the affected server. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation that allows attackers to supply absolute file paths instead of restricted relative paths, creating an opportunity for unauthorized file access and code execution. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited from remote locations without requiring authentication or local access to the system. The issue falls under the category of insecure file handling and improper input validation, which are fundamental security weaknesses that can lead to complete system compromise. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-22 which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack vector leverages the principle of least privilege violation, where an attacker can access files outside the intended directory structure. The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows for arbitrary file inclusion, potentially enabling attackers to read sensitive system files, execute malicious code, or gain unauthorized access to the underlying operating system. The vulnerability can be exploited to include system configuration files, database credentials, or other sensitive information stored on the server. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 sub-technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1566.001 for "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment", as attackers can leverage such vulnerabilities to establish persistent access and execute malicious payloads. The flaw specifically affects the file inclusion mechanism where the application directly uses user-supplied input to determine which files to include, without proper sanitization or validation. The vulnerability creates an environment where attackers can manipulate the application's behavior by controlling the site parameter to point to arbitrary local files. This represents a classic case of insufficient input sanitization, where the application fails to filter or escape special characters that could alter the intended file path. The attack can be executed by simply appending a full absolute path to the site parameter in the URL, potentially allowing access to system files that should remain protected. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in web applications because it can be exploited to read configuration files, database connection details, or other sensitive information that could lead to further compromise of the system. Organizations using Webspell 4.01.02 should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, proper file path restriction, and removal of unnecessary file inclusion functionality. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of implementing secure coding practices such as input validation, output encoding, and proper access controls. Security measures should include implementing a whitelist approach for file inclusion, where only predefined safe paths are allowed, and implementing proper error handling to prevent information disclosure. The vulnerability also highlights the need for regular security assessments and code reviews to identify and remediate similar issues in web applications. Additionally, the use of security frameworks and libraries that provide built-in protection against path traversal attacks should be considered as part of the overall security strategy for preventing such vulnerabilities from occurring in the first place.