CVE-2007-4764 in pawfaliki
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in pawfaliki.php in Pawfaliki 0.5.1 allows remote attackers to list arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the page parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4764 represents a directory traversal flaw in the Pawfaliki 0.5.1 web application, specifically within the pawfaliki.php script. This security weakness enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server by manipulating the page parameter through the use of .. (dot dot) sequences. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file access paths, allowing malicious users to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and potentially access sensitive system files or data.
This directory traversal vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which defines the weakness as improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly referred to as path traversal or directory traversal. The flaw operates by exploiting the lack of proper validation when processing user-supplied input in the page parameter, allowing attackers to construct malicious paths that can traverse directories and access files outside the web root or designated access boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables remote code execution and data exfiltration capabilities when combined with other exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file listing, as it can potentially allow attackers to access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential information. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can leverage this weakness without requiring local system access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that handle sensitive data. Attackers can use this vulnerability to enumerate the file system, potentially discovering additional vulnerabilities within the application or system, and may gain access to critical system files that could compromise the entire server.
Security practitioners should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. Input validation and sanitization must be strengthened to prevent the injection of directory traversal sequences, with strict filtering of user-supplied parameters and enforcement of whitelist validation for file access. The application should implement proper path resolution mechanisms that ensure all file access operations occur within designated directories, utilizing secure coding practices that prevent the concatenation of user input with file paths. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation can limit the damage from successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider deploying web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious directory traversal attempts, while following ATT&CK framework techniques for defending against path traversal attacks through proper input validation and access control measures.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure input handling in web applications and highlights how seemingly simple flaws can lead to significant security breaches. The lack of proper validation in the Pawfaliki application creates an attack surface that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to system resources, potentially leading to full system compromise. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the fundamental security principles that should be applied to all web applications, including the principle of least privilege, secure coding practices, and comprehensive input validation to prevent attackers from manipulating application behavior through crafted input sequences.