CVE-2007-5642 in PHP Project Management
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in PHP Project Management 0.8.10 and earlier allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in (1) the def_lang parameter to modules/files/list.php; the m_path parameter to (2) modules/projects/summary.inc.php or (3) modules/tasks/summary.inc.php; (4) the module parameter to modules/projects/list.php; or the module parameter to index.php in the (5) certinfo, (6) emails, (7) events, (8) fax, (9) files, (10) groupadm, (11) history, (12) info, (13) log, (14) mail, (15) messages, (16) organizations, (17) phones, (18) presence, (19) projects, (20) reports, (21) search, (22) snf, (23) syslog, (24) tasks, or (25) useradm subdirectory of modules/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5642 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting PHP Project Management version 0.8.10 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation in multiple script parameters that handle file inclusion operations, creating opportunities for remote attackers to access arbitrary local files on the server. The flaw manifests across several key modules including file management, project summaries, task summaries, and various administrative functions, making it particularly dangerous as it affects core application functionality. The vulnerability is classified as a directory traversal attack pattern that allows attackers to manipulate file paths through manipulation of input parameters containing directory navigation sequences.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of specific parameter values that are directly used in file inclusion operations. Attackers can exploit the def_lang parameter in modules/files/list.php by injecting .. sequences to traverse parent directories and access sensitive files such as configuration files, database credentials, or system files. Similarly, the m_path parameter in modules/projects/summary.inc.php and modules/tasks/summary.inc.php can be manipulated to achieve the same effect. The module parameter in multiple locations including modules/projects/list.php and index.php across various subdirectories allows attackers to traverse the file system and include arbitrary local files. This represents a classic path traversal vulnerability that aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects both authenticated and unauthenticated attack scenarios, depending on the specific module being targeted.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable complete system compromise. When attackers successfully exploit these traversal flaws, they can access sensitive system files including database configuration files that may contain database credentials, application configuration files that reveal system architecture details, and potentially even system user files. The ability to execute arbitrary local files through file inclusion operations provides attackers with opportunities for privilege escalation and persistent access. This vulnerability creates a significant risk for organizations using the affected PHP Project Management software, as it allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical system resources and potentially establish backdoors within the application environment. The widespread nature of the vulnerability across multiple modules increases the attack surface significantly, making it a high-priority target for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization across all affected parameters. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e. The application should employ absolute path resolution and validate all file inclusion operations against a whitelist of allowed paths. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation can limit the damage that can be caused by successful exploitation. System administrators should ensure that the affected software is updated to the latest version that contains patches for these vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also include comprehensive code review to identify similar patterns in other application components that may be susceptible to the same class of vulnerability. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file access patterns and parameter manipulation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers may leverage the file inclusion capabilities to execute malicious code on the target system. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation rules can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts.