CVE-2007-5812 in ModuleBuilder
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in modules/Builder/DownloadModule.php in ModuleBuilder 1.0 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5812 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the ModuleBuilder 1.0 web application framework. This security weakness exists in the DownloadModule.php file located within the modules/Builder/ directory structure, specifically affecting the file parameter handling mechanism. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization processes that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data before using it in file operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests containing directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) in the file parameter, enabling them to navigate outside the intended directory boundaries and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes directory traversal or path traversal attacks as a fundamental security flaw where attackers can manipulate file paths to access unauthorized resources. This particular implementation occurs within a web application module designed for building and managing application components, making it particularly dangerous as it could allow adversaries to access sensitive configuration files, source code, database credentials, or other privileged information stored on the server. The flaw operates at the application layer, typically affecting web servers running PHP-based applications where user input directly influences file system operations without proper validation mechanisms.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations deploying ModuleBuilder 1.0 applications, as it enables remote code execution capabilities and data exfiltration. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain access to critical system files including but not limited to database connection strings, application configuration files, and potentially even system-level files that could provide further attack vectors. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, especially when combined with other vulnerabilities or when the application runs with elevated privileges. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications that utilize dynamic file loading mechanisms and are exposed to untrusted input streams.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5812 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization measures within the application code. The primary defense involves ensuring that all user-supplied parameters undergo strict validation before being used in file system operations, particularly rejecting or encoding any directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e. Organizations should implement proper access controls and privilege separation, ensuring that web applications operate with minimal necessary permissions. The remediation process should include code review to eliminate unsafe file handling patterns, implementation of allow-list validation for file parameters, and deployment of web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious traversal attempts. Additionally, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically addressing techniques related to path traversal and privilege escalation within web application environments. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar weaknesses in other application components and ensure comprehensive protection against such attacks.