CVE-2007-4536 in TorrentTrader
Summary
by MITRE
TorrentTrader 1.07 and earlier sets insecure permissions for files in the root directory, which allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by modifying (1) disclaimer.txt, (2) sponsors.txt, and (3) banners.txt, which are used in an include call. NOTE: there might be local attack vectors that extend to other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2018
This vulnerability exists in TorrentTrader version 1.07 and earlier, where the application fails to properly secure file permissions in its root directory. The flaw stems from inadequate access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized users to modify critical configuration files without proper authentication or authorization. The vulnerability specifically affects three text files: disclaimer.txt, sponsors.txt, and banners.txt, which are processed through include calls within the application's PHP execution flow. This represents a classic path traversal and code injection vulnerability that violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and secure file handling. The insecure permissions create an attack surface where malicious actors can manipulate these files to inject malicious PHP code that will be executed when the application processes them.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the application's reliance on dynamic file inclusion patterns. When the system processes these text files through include statements, any PHP code embedded within them gets executed as part of the application's normal processing flow. This creates a direct code execution pathway that bypasses normal input validation and sanitization mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-94 Code Injection, where the insecure file permissions enable attackers to modify files that are subsequently included and executed. The attack vector specifically targets the application's file handling procedures and demonstrates a failure in proper file access control implementation. This weakness can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP, as it enables arbitrary PHP code execution through file modification.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with full code execution capabilities on the affected system. Once successful, the attacker can execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability extends beyond the three explicitly mentioned files to potentially include other files that follow similar inclusion patterns, creating a broader attack surface. Local attack vectors may also exist that could allow privilege escalation or further exploitation of the system. This vulnerability undermines the application's integrity and confidentiality, as attackers can modify content, execute malicious code, and potentially access sensitive data. The impact is particularly severe in environments where the web server has elevated privileges or access to database systems.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper file permissions and access controls to prevent unauthorized modification of critical application files. The application should enforce strict file permission settings that prevent modification by unauthorized users while maintaining proper functionality. Input validation and sanitization mechanisms should be strengthened to prevent malicious code injection even if file permissions are compromised. Regular security audits should verify that all files processed through include calls have appropriate access controls. The system should implement file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized modifications to critical files. Additionally, the application should be updated to a newer version that addresses this vulnerability, as the original version is outdated and likely contains additional security weaknesses. Network segmentation and privilege separation should be implemented to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Security patches should be applied promptly, and the system should be monitored for any signs of compromise or unauthorized access attempts.