CVE-2007-5069 in Mobile Entertainment Module
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in data/compatible.php in the Nuke Mobile Entertainment 1 addon for PHP-Nuke allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the module_name parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5069 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Nuke Mobile Entertainment 1 addon for PHP-Nuke, specifically affecting the data/compatible.php file. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data from being processed in file inclusion operations. The flaw manifests when the module_name parameter receives input containing directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot), which allows attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary local files on the server. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" in scenarios where local file execution occurs through vulnerable include mechanisms. The Nuke Mobile Entertainment addon, designed to provide mobile-friendly content delivery within PHP-Nuke environments, introduces a security gap by not properly validating user input before incorporating it into file system operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the module_name parameter in requests directed to the data/compatible.php endpoint. When an attacker supplies a crafted payload containing directory traversal sequences, the application processes this input without proper sanitization, allowing the inclusion of local files that should remain protected. This can result in arbitrary code execution, sensitive data exposure, or complete system compromise depending on the permissions of the web application and the files accessible through the traversal. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to access system files, configuration data, or other sensitive resources that may contain database credentials, application secrets, or other confidential information. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and proper path resolution, where the application fails to implement proper security controls to prevent unauthorized file access patterns.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5069 extends beyond simple file disclosure to potentially enable complete system compromise through remote code execution. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the target system, escalate privileges, or establish persistent access through backdoor file placement. The vulnerability affects systems running PHP-Nuke with the Nuke Mobile Entertainment 1 addon, which were commonly deployed in web environments where mobile accessibility was desired. This creates a significant risk for organizations that have not updated their systems, as the vulnerability has existed for over a decade and remains exploitable on unpatched installations. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it allows for both passive information gathering and active exploitation, enabling attackers to move laterally within networks or access sensitive data stored on the server. The vulnerability's impact is amplified in environments where the web server has elevated privileges or where the application can access sensitive system files and databases.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5069 should focus on immediate patching of the affected Nuke Mobile Entertainment addon and PHP-Nuke installation, as well as implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should apply security patches provided by the software vendors or upgrade to supported versions that address this vulnerability. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious traversal attempts, while proper input validation should be implemented at all entry points to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. The implementation of secure coding practices including proper path validation, use of allowlists for file access, and avoiding direct user input in file operations should be enforced. Additionally, system administrators should conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other components of the PHP-Nuke ecosystem. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing comprehensive security controls to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement monitoring and logging of file access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain proper access controls to limit the impact of successful attacks.