CVE-2007-5782 in FireConfig
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in dl.php in FireConfig 0.5 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5782 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the FireConfig 0.5 web application, specifically affecting the dl.php component. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied file paths, creating an avenue for malicious actors to access unauthorized files on the affected system. The flaw manifests when the application processes the file parameter without adequate filtering, allowing attackers to manipulate the path traversal sequence using the .. (dot dot) notation to navigate upward through the directory structure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the file parameter in the dl.php script, where attackers can append directory traversal sequences to access files outside the intended download directory. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The vulnerability enables attackers to potentially access sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, source code, and other confidential data that should remain protected from unauthorized access. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication and can be executed remotely, making it a significant threat to web application security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain access to critical system files, application source code, and potentially database connection strings that could facilitate further attacks. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the web application, as unauthorized file access undermines the security controls designed to protect sensitive data. This weakness also violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and principle of least functionality, as the application fails to properly enforce access controls on file operations.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, beginning with immediate patching of the FireConfig 0.5 application to the latest version that addresses this directory traversal flaw. Input validation and sanitization should be strengthened to reject any path traversal sequences, with proper normalization of file paths before processing. The application should be configured to operate within a restricted directory context, ensuring that file operations are limited to predefined safe locations. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable applications, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect suspicious file access patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms to provide additional defense in depth. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002, which involves data from information repositories, and represents a classic example of how inadequate input validation can lead to severe security consequences in web applications, particularly in the context of file system access controls and privilege escalation scenarios.