CVE-2007-6187 in NoAh
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in PHP Content Architect (aka NoAh) 0.9 pre 1.2 and earlier allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the filepath parameter to (1) css_file.php, (2) js_file.php, or (3) xml_file.php in noah/modules/nosystem/templates/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-6187 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting PHP Content Architect version 0.9 pre 1.2 and earlier. This security weakness resides within the application's handling of file paths in three specific php scripts: css_file.php, js_file.php, and xml_file.php, all located within the noah/modules/nosystem/templates/ directory structure. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to exploit the lack of proper input validation and sanitization when processing filepath parameters, enabling them to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access arbitrary files on the server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied input in the filepath parameter. When an attacker crafts a malicious request containing .. (dot dot) sequences in the filepath parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate these inputs before using them to construct file paths. This allows the attacker to traverse up the directory tree and access files that should remain protected, potentially including sensitive configuration files, database credentials, or other system files that could compromise the entire application or underlying server infrastructure.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations deploying vulnerable versions of PHP Content Architect. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it affects core application functionality where CSS, JavaScript, and XML files are typically served, meaning that successful exploitation could lead to data exfiltration, privilege escalation, or even remote code execution depending on the server configuration and file permissions. The vulnerability affects the application's template system, which is fundamental to its operation, making it a critical security concern for any deployment.
The remediation strategy for this vulnerability involves immediate patching of the affected software to version 1.2 or later, where the directory traversal protections have been implemented. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are rigorously checked before being used in file path construction. Additionally, implementing proper file access controls and restricting file system permissions can help mitigate the impact if exploitation occurs. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and maps to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachment) when considering the broader attack surface. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious path traversal patterns, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of their web applications.