CVE-2007-5484 in WWWISIS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in wxis.exe in WWWISIS 7.1 allows local users to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the IsisScript parameter to iah.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5484 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the WWWISIS 7.1 web server software, specifically affecting the wxis.exe component. This issue arises from insufficient input validation in the IsisScript parameter processing within the iah application interface. The vulnerability allows local attackers to exploit the system by manipulating the IsisScript parameter to include directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation, thereby gaining unauthorized access to files outside the intended web root directory. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before processing file paths, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to navigate the file system beyond the designated boundaries.
This directory traversal vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which defines the weakness of improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The technical implementation of this flaw occurs when the wxis.exe component processes the IsisScript parameter without adequate validation of the .. sequences that would normally be rejected by the operating system's file system APIs. The vulnerability affects the core authentication and authorization mechanisms of the WWWISIS system, as it allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve sensitive information from the server's file system. The impact extends beyond simple file reading, as it can potentially expose configuration files, database files, or other sensitive system resources that contain confidential data or system information.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5484 is significant for organizations utilizing WWWISIS 7.1, as local users with minimal privileges can escalate their access to potentially sensitive system files. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly by attackers who gain local access to the system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it leverages the application's legitimate file access mechanisms while exploiting the lack of proper input sanitization. The vulnerability can be exploited through various means including web interface manipulation, command line exploitation, or by crafting malicious requests that leverage the IsisScript parameter. The implications include potential data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and the possibility of further attack escalation through the exposure of system configuration files or credential storage locations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5484 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those that influence file system operations. Organizations should immediately apply vendor patches or updates if available, as the vulnerability affects a specific version of WWWISIS software. The recommended approach includes implementing strict parameter validation that rejects or filters out directory traversal sequences, including .., and ensuring that all file operations occur within predefined, secure directories. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit local access to the affected system, while monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous file access patterns. Security hardening practices should include disabling unnecessary features, restricting file system permissions, and implementing proper logging of file access operations to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar path traversal vulnerabilities in other applications and systems, aligning with the principles of the MITRE ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and credential access tactics.