CVE-2007-4820 in Sisfo Kampus
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in blanko.preview.php in Sisfo Kampus 2006 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary local files, and possibly execute local PHP scripts, via the nmf parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2024
The CVE-2007-4820 vulnerability represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw discovered in the Sisfo Kampus 2006 web application, specifically within the blanko.preview.php component. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the nmf parameter, which is processed without adequate validation or sanitization. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate file access requests by providing absolute paths that bypass normal file system restrictions, effectively allowing unauthorized access to sensitive local resources on the server. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize input parameters before using them in file system operations, creating a direct pathway for attackers to navigate the file system beyond intended boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input validation mechanisms within the web application's file handling routines. When the nmf parameter is submitted to blanko.preview.php, the application directly incorporates this value into file system operations without performing adequate sanitization checks or path validation. This allows attackers to supply absolute paths such as /etc/passwd or other system files, enabling them to read arbitrary local files that should normally be protected from external access. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the potential for local PHP script execution, which could allow attackers to not only read files but also execute malicious code on the target system. This represents a classic path traversal vulnerability that aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-4820 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially execute malicious code on the vulnerable system. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to access database configuration files, system credentials, application source code, and other confidential information that could lead to further compromise of the system. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the issue of sensitive data exposure and inadequate input validation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1083 technique for discovery of files and directories, while also potentially enabling T1059 for execution of malicious code on the target system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4820 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization measures within the affected web application. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation that rejects absolute paths and ensures all file access operations use relative paths within designated directories. The most effective approach involves implementing a whitelist-based validation system that only permits specific file names or paths while rejecting all others. Additionally, the application should be configured to run with minimal required privileges, limiting the damage that could occur even if exploitation succeeds. Security patches should be applied immediately to update the vulnerable Sisfo Kampus 2006 software to versions that properly validate input parameters. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security issues within the codebase. Network segmentation and proper access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable applications to unauthorized users. The remediation process should also include monitoring for suspicious file access patterns and implementing proper logging to detect potential exploitation attempts.