CVE-2007-5844 in GuppY
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in inc/includes.inc in GuppY 4.6.3 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the selskin parameter to index.php. NOTE: this can be leveraged for remote file inclusion by including inc/boxleft.inc and specifying a URL in the xposbox[L][] array parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2024
The CVE-2007-5844 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the GuppY content management system version 4.6.3 that exposes the application to remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically affects the inc/includes.inc file and occurs when the application fails to properly validate user input passed through the selskin parameter in the index.php script. The flaw allows malicious actors to manipulate file paths by inserting .. (dot dot) sequences, enabling them to traverse the directory structure and access arbitrary local files on the server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory. When an attacker crafts a malicious request containing directory traversal sequences in the selskin parameter, the application processes these inputs without adequate sanitization or validation, allowing the attacker to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries. This vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous when combined with the ability to include and execute arbitrary local files, as demonstrated through the inclusion of inc/boxleft.inc file.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file disclosure to encompass full remote code execution capabilities. By leveraging the directory traversal to include the inc/boxleft.inc file and subsequently manipulating the xposbox[L][] array parameter to specify a URL, attackers can achieve remote file inclusion attacks. This combination creates a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates the dangerous intersection of path traversal and remote file inclusion techniques, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking persistent access to web applications.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a prime example of how insufficient input validation can create cascading security issues within web applications. The flaw directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1505.003 - Server-side Include, which describes how attackers can leverage server-side inclusion mechanisms to execute malicious code. Organizations running GuppY 4.6.3 should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, proper parameter sanitization, and the implementation of secure coding practices that prevent directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper access controls and file inclusion validation in web applications, particularly those handling user-supplied input in sensitive parameters.