CVE-2007-5299 in SkaDate
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in SkaDate 5.0 and 6.0, and possibly later versions such as 6.482, allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the view_mode parameter to (1) featured_list.php and (2) online_list.php in member/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5299 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting SkaDate versions 5.0 through 6.482, with potential impacts extending to newer releases. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the application's handling of user-supplied parameters, specifically targeting the view_mode parameter in two key files. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate file access paths through the use of directory traversal sequences, enabling unauthorized access to arbitrary files on the server filesystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the application's failure to properly sanitize user input before processing file operations. When the view_mode parameter contains directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot), the application fails to validate or filter these malicious inputs, allowing attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries. This weakness manifests in two specific locations: featured_list.php and online_list.php within the member/ directory structure. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically within the file inclusion and processing mechanisms that handle user requests for different view modes.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security risks to affected systems, as it enables attackers to potentially access sensitive files including configuration data, database credentials, source code, and other confidential information stored on the server. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as attackers could potentially access files containing user data, session information, or system configuration details that could facilitate further attacks. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require local system access or authentication to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible web applications.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. This classification reflects the fundamental flaw in input validation and file access control mechanisms. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability maps to several techniques within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to credential access and reconnaissance activities. The ability to traverse directories and access arbitrary files falls under the credential access category, as it can lead to the exposure of sensitive data that might include authentication credentials or system configuration details.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation that rejects or filters out directory traversal sequences before processing user input. The recommended approach includes implementing whitelist validation for the view_mode parameter, ensuring that only predefined, safe values are accepted. Additionally, the application should employ proper file access controls and implement secure coding practices that prevent path traversal attacks. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious directory traversal patterns. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, and the affected SkaDate installations should be updated to patched versions that address this specific directory traversal flaw.