CVE-2007-5684 in TikiWiki
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in TikiWiki 1.9.8.1 and earlier allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary files via an absolute pathname in (1) error_handler_file and (2) local_php parameters to (a) tiki-index.php, or (3) encoded "..%2F" sequences in the imp_language parameter to tiki-imexport_languages.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5684 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting TikiWiki versions 1.9.8.1 and earlier. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's file handling processes, creating opportunities for remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion parameters and execute malicious code. The vulnerability manifests through multiple attack vectors that exploit the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before processing file operations. The affected parameters include error_handler_file, local_php, and imp_language, each representing distinct pathways for unauthorized file access and code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. Attackers can leverage these flaws by supplying absolute pathnames or encoded directory traversal sequences such as "..%2F" to manipulate the application's file resolution mechanism. When TikiWiki processes these parameters without proper validation, it allows the inclusion of arbitrary files from the server's filesystem, potentially enabling attackers to access sensitive configuration files, execute system commands, or gain unauthorized administrative access to the web application. The vulnerability specifically targets the application's error handling and language import functionality, demonstrating how seemingly innocuous features can become security attack surfaces when input validation is insufficient.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5684 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides attackers with potential paths to achieve complete system compromise. Remote exploitation of this vulnerability allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain access to sensitive data stored within the TikiWiki application's environment. The attack vectors present multiple opportunities for exploitation, with the error_handler_file and local_php parameters in tiki-index.php offering direct file inclusion capabilities, while the imp_language parameter in tiki-imexport_languages.php enables attackers to manipulate language import processes. This multi-vector approach increases the likelihood of successful exploitation and makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations relying on affected TikiWiki installations. The vulnerability can result in data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments where TikiWiki is deployed.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through official security patches provided by TikiWiki developers, as the vulnerability represents a critical risk that can lead to full system compromise. The recommended mitigation strategy includes applying the latest security updates to TikiWiki installations, implementing proper input validation mechanisms, and configuring web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious directory traversal attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other components of their infrastructure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1213 Data from Information Repositories, highlighting the potential for both command execution and data exfiltration. Security teams should also implement network monitoring solutions to detect unusual file access patterns and parameter manipulation attempts that may indicate exploitation of this or similar directory traversal vulnerabilities.