CVE-2007-5739 in Korean GHBoard
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in component/flashupload/download.jsp in the FlashUpload component in Korean GHBoard allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the name parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5739 represents a classic directory traversal flaw within the FlashUpload component of the Korean GHBoard application. This security weakness resides in the download.jsp file located within the component/flashupload directory structure, where the application fails to properly validate user-supplied input parameters. The specific flaw occurs when the name parameter is processed without adequate sanitization, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file access paths through the use of directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables remote attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve arbitrary files from the underlying file system. When a malicious user submits a crafted name parameter containing directory traversal sequences, the application processes these inputs without proper validation, potentially allowing access to sensitive system files, configuration data, or other restricted resources that should not be accessible through the web interface. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the file system level, potentially exposing critical information such as database connection strings, administrative credentials, or application source code that could facilitate further exploitation. This type of vulnerability is categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachments), as it enables attackers to access files that may contain sensitive information or serve as entry points for additional attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5739 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks within the target environment. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, especially if the vulnerable application runs with elevated privileges or has access to sensitive data repositories. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the affected system, as unauthorized parties can access files that should remain protected. Organizations running vulnerable versions of GHBoard may experience data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences due to unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly concerning for web-facing applications. System administrators should consider this vulnerability in the context of the broader attack surface, as it may be combined with other weaknesses to achieve privilege escalation or persistent access within the target environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the affected application. The most effective immediate solution involves modifying the download.jsp component to validate and sanitize all user-supplied input parameters, particularly those used in file path construction. Implementing a whitelist approach for acceptable file names and ensuring that all path traversal sequences are properly rejected or encoded can prevent exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles, ensuring that the application operates with minimal required permissions. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious patterns in network traffic that may indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Organizations should also ensure that all systems are kept up to date with security patches and that proper security configurations are maintained to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.