CVE-2007-5193 in twiki
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration for twiki 4.1.2 on Debian GNU/Linux, and possibly other operating systems, specifies the work area directory (cfg{RCS}{WorkAreaDir}) under the web document root, which might allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive information when .htaccess restrictions are not applied.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5193 affects Twiki version 4.1.2 installations on Debian GNU/Linux and potentially other operating systems where the default configuration places the work area directory under the web document root. This configuration flaw represents a critical security oversight that exposes sensitive system information to remote attackers. The issue stems from improper directory structure placement where the RCS (Revision Control System) work area directory is positioned within the web-accessible document root, creating an unintended information disclosure channel.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the default Twiki configuration parameter cfg{RCS}{WorkAreaDir} which, when set to a location within the web document root, allows unauthorized access to revision control files and potentially sensitive data stored in the RCS directory structure. This misconfiguration bypasses standard web server access controls that would normally restrict access to internal system directories. Attackers can exploit this by directly accessing files within the work area directory through web requests, potentially gaining insights into the system's revision history, configuration files, or other sensitive artifacts that should remain protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to create potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks. When .htaccess restrictions are not properly applied or configured, attackers can traverse the web document root to access RCS directories containing version control information, backup files, or other sensitive data that might reveal system architecture, development processes, or even credentials. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and represents a classic case of insecure default configurations that can be exploited without requiring authentication or specialized attack vectors.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework, particularly under the Information Gathering phase where adversaries seek to understand target systems before launching more sophisticated attacks. The misconfiguration creates an information disclosure opportunity that can significantly reduce the attack surface complexity for threat actors. Organizations should implement proper directory permissions, ensure .htaccess files are correctly configured to restrict access to sensitive directories, and regularly audit their web application configurations. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure default configurations and proper access control implementation in web applications, as highlighted in security standards that emphasize the need for principle of least privilege and defense in depth strategies.