CVE-2007-5694 in SiteBar
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in the translation module (translator.php) in SiteBar 3.3.8 allows remote authenticated users to read arbitrary files via an absolute path in the dir parameter, a different vulnerability than CVE-2007-5491.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2025
The CVE-2007-5694 vulnerability represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw within the SiteBar 3.3.8 web application's translation module. This vulnerability specifically affects the translator.php file and enables remote authenticated attackers to access arbitrary files on the server by manipulating the dir parameter with absolute paths. The issue differs from CVE-2007-5491, which indicates a separate vulnerability within the same application, demonstrating the complexity of software security flaws in web applications. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which defines path traversal or directory traversal attacks as a fundamental security weakness where attackers can access files and directories outside the intended scope through manipulation of input parameters. This weakness is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain access to sensitive system files, configuration data, or other confidential information stored on the web server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the translation module's handling of user-supplied input through the dir parameter. When an authenticated user submits a request containing an absolute path in the dir parameter, the translator.php script fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before processing it. This lack of input validation creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the file system traversal mechanism, allowing them to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access files that should remain protected. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authentication, meaning that legitimate users with valid credentials can exploit this flaw to access unauthorized files. This scenario represents a privilege escalation vulnerability where authenticated users can leverage their access to perform actions beyond their intended permissions, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1566 which covers credential access through exploitation of application vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it can potentially expose sensitive data including database connection strings, application configuration files, user credentials, and system information that could be used for further attacks. Attackers could use this vulnerability to extract application source code, database schemas, or other confidential information that would normally be protected within the application's directory structure. The ability to read arbitrary files through an authenticated module means that attackers can potentially access not only application files but also system-level files that contain sensitive information about the server environment. This vulnerability could enable attackers to gather intelligence about the underlying infrastructure, identify other potential attack vectors, or even extract cryptographic keys and other sensitive materials that could compromise the entire system. Organizations running SiteBar 3.3.8 are particularly at risk as this vulnerability can be exploited by any authenticated user, potentially including malicious insiders or compromised accounts. The mitigation approach should include immediate patching of the SiteBar application to version 3.3.9 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures, restricting file access permissions, and monitoring for unusual file access patterns can help reduce the risk of exploitation.
The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied input is properly validated and sanitized before being processed by application modules, particularly those handling file system operations. The implementation of proper access controls and the use of secure coding practices can significantly reduce the likelihood of such vulnerabilities being present in web applications. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar flaws before they can be exploited by malicious actors. The ATT&CK framework's categorization of this vulnerability under credential access and privilege escalation techniques highlights the need for comprehensive security measures that address both authentication and authorization controls. This vulnerability also emphasizes the critical importance of keeping software up to date with the latest security patches and maintaining robust security monitoring to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should implement defense-in-depth strategies that include network segmentation, access control lists, and regular security assessments to protect against similar path traversal vulnerabilities that could affect other applications in their infrastructure.