CVE-2007-5491 in SiteBar
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the translation module (translator.php) in SiteBar 3.3.8 allows remote authenticated users to chmod arbitrary files to 0777 via ".." sequences in the lang parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5491 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the SiteBar 3.3.8 translation module, specifically in the translator.php component. This weakness stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, particularly the lang parameter that is processed without proper security checks. The vulnerability exists in the context of a web-based content management system where authenticated users can leverage this flaw to manipulate file permissions across the server filesystem. The directory traversal mechanism allows attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries through the use of ".." sequences, which are commonly recognized path traversal patterns in web applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper parameter validation within the translator.php script, which directly incorporates user input into file system operations without adequate sanitization. When a remote authenticated user submits a specially crafted lang parameter containing directory traversal sequences, the system processes these inputs without proper boundary checks, leading to arbitrary file permission modifications. The specific impact occurs when the system attempts to change file permissions to 0777, a world-writable permission level that can enable malicious actors to execute arbitrary code or gain unauthorized access to system resources. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file permission changes, as it provides attackers with significant control over the web application's underlying file system. An attacker with authenticated access can potentially escalate privileges by modifying critical system files, including configuration files, database connection details, or even executable scripts that could be leveraged for further system compromise. The ability to set files to 0777 permissions creates a dangerous attack surface where malicious actors can modify or replace core application components, leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as it enables unauthorized file system modifications that can be used to establish persistent access or execute malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5491 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the translation module. The most effective approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences or special characters that could be used to manipulate file paths. Organizations should also consider implementing a whitelist approach for language parameters, allowing only predefined, safe language codes rather than accepting arbitrary input. Additionally, the system should enforce proper file system access controls and implement the principle of least privilege, ensuring that the web application runs with minimal necessary permissions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly in modules that handle user-supplied data for system operations. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security issues within the software architecture. The remediation process should include updating to a patched version of SiteBar or implementing proper input sanitization measures if patching is not immediately possible.