CVE-2007-5820 in Ax Developer CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in Ax Developer CMS (AxDCMS) 0.1.1 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the module parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2024
The CVE-2007-5820 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Ax Developer CMS version 0.1.1, specifically affecting the index.php script. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating a significant security risk for web applications that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied input. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the module parameter through the use of .. (dot dot) sequences, which allows them to navigate the file system and access arbitrary local files on the server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to validate and sanitize the module parameter before using it in file inclusion operations. When a user submits a request containing a malicious module parameter value such as ../../../etc/passwd or similar directory traversal sequences, the web application processes these inputs without proper sanitization, leading to unintended file access. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw exists because the application performs file operations based on user input without implementing adequate input validation or canonicalization of file paths, allowing attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially execute arbitrary code on the server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file disclosure, as it can enable attackers to execute arbitrary local files on the target system. This capability allows for complete system compromise, as attackers can access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and potentially gain shell access to the server. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from any location without requiring local access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1566 (Phishing) techniques, as attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious code and establish persistence within the compromised environment. The exploitation of such vulnerabilities often leads to data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments where the affected CMS is deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5820 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within the application code. The most effective approach involves implementing a whitelist-based validation system that only allows predefined, safe module names to be processed by the application. Additionally, developers should employ proper path canonicalization techniques that resolve all relative paths and prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. The implementation of secure file inclusion practices, such as using a fixed base directory for file operations and avoiding dynamic path construction based on user input, significantly reduces the attack surface. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and regularly update their CMS installations to ensure that known vulnerabilities are patched. According to industry best practices and security standards, this type of vulnerability should be addressed through secure coding practices that emphasize input validation, output encoding, and proper resource management to prevent unauthorized access to system resources.