CVE-2007-4962 in WinImage
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in WinImage 8.10 and earlier allows user-assisted remote attackers to create or overwrite arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in a filename within a (1) .IMG or (2) .ISO file. NOTE: this can be leveraged for code execution by writing to a Startup folder.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4962 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within WinImage 8.10 and earlier versions that enables remote attackers to manipulate file system operations through crafted archive files. This vulnerability exists in the handling of file names within .IMG and .ISO archive formats, where the software fails to properly validate or sanitize path references that contain directory traversal sequences. The issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that allow attackers to inject .. (dot dot) sequences into filenames, which can result in unintended file system operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when WinImage processes archive files containing specially crafted filenames with directory traversal sequences. When the software encounters these sequences, it interprets them as commands to navigate up directory levels, potentially allowing attackers to write files to arbitrary locations on the target system. The vulnerability specifically affects the file extraction and processing routines within WinImage's archive handling code, where path resolution does not adequately filter or normalize directory references. This flaw operates at the file system level, bypassing normal access controls and permissions that would typically prevent unauthorized file operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file manipulation to potentially enable complete system compromise through code execution. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to write malicious executables or scripts to system startup folders such as the Windows Startup directory, ensuring that malicious code executes automatically when users log in. This represents a significant escalation from simple file overwrite operations to persistent threat capabilities. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may have legitimate access to WinImage but lack proper privilege controls. According to CWE-22, this vulnerability maps directly to improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, a common weakness that allows attackers to access files outside intended directories. The attack vector requires user interaction to initiate the vulnerable process, making it a user-assisted remote attack that can be delivered through maliciously crafted archive files.
The security implications of CVE-2007-4962 align with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script interpreter execution, as successful exploitation enables attackers to place malicious code in startup locations that will execute automatically. The vulnerability also relates to T1547.001 for registry run keys and startup folder, where attackers can establish persistence by writing malicious files to system startup locations. Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of WinImage installations to versions that properly sanitize pathnames and implement proper input validation. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level controls to prevent the delivery of potentially malicious archive files, as well as monitoring for suspicious file creation patterns in system startup directories. System administrators should ensure that users have the minimum required privileges to operate WinImage and that appropriate access controls are enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and path normalization in archive processing software, emphasizing that even legacy applications require regular security updates and vulnerability assessments to maintain operational security.