CVE-2007-5813 in ISPworker
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in download.php in ISPworker 1.21 allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the (1) ticketid and (2) filename parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5813 affects ISPworker version 1.21 and represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the download.php component. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before processing file operations. The vulnerability specifically impacts two parameter fields within the ticketid and filename parameters, allowing malicious actors to exploit the system through the use of .. (dot dot) sequences in their requests. Such directory traversal attacks enable unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory structure, potentially exposing sensitive system information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the improper handling of file path construction within the download.php script. When user input containing directory traversal sequences is processed without adequate sanitization or validation, the application constructs file paths that resolve to locations outside the intended scope. This flaw aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate file access requests through crafted input that bypasses normal access controls and file system restrictions.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations utilizing ISPworker 1.21 as it allows remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server. Attackers can potentially retrieve configuration files, database credentials, source code, and other sensitive data that should remain protected within the application's restricted directory structure. The impact extends beyond simple file reading capabilities, as successful exploitation may lead to complete system compromise through access to system configuration files, application source code, or database connection details. This represents a serious threat to data confidentiality and system integrity, particularly in environments where the application handles sensitive customer or business information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5813 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the download.php script. The most effective approach involves implementing proper parameter validation that rejects or removes directory traversal sequences before any file operations are performed. Organizations should also consider implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles to limit the damage that can be caused even if such vulnerabilities exist. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through unauthorized access to system resources. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms to prevent exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include immediate patching of the affected ISPworker version and comprehensive testing to ensure that similar vulnerabilities do not exist in other components of the application stack.