CVE-2007-6212 in KML
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in region.php in KML share 1.1 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the layer parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6212 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the KML share 1.1 web application, specifically affecting the region.php script. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing. The flaw manifests when the layer parameter receives malicious input containing directory traversal sequences such as .. which allows attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" which is a well-documented weakness in web application security that has been consistently exploited across numerous applications and platforms over the years.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker crafts a malicious request to the region.php endpoint by injecting directory traversal sequences into the layer parameter. When the application processes this input without proper validation, it concatenates the malicious path with the intended file system location, enabling access to files outside the designated directory. This flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially read sensitive files such as configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other confidential data stored on the same server. The impact is particularly severe because it can be exploited without authentication and can lead to complete system compromise if sensitive files are accessible.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using KML share 1.1 as it can result in unauthorized data access, information disclosure, and potential system compromise. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive information from the server, potentially including database connection strings, application configuration files, or even user data. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 "File and Directory Discovery" as attackers can systematically explore the file system to identify valuable targets. Additionally, this flaw can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, potentially leading to privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where the web application has access to sensitive data or system files.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-6212 should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-supplied patch or upgrade to a newer version of KML share that addresses this vulnerability. Input validation should include strict filtering of the layer parameter to reject any sequences containing .. or other directory traversal patterns. The application should implement a whitelist approach for acceptable input values or employ proper path normalization techniques that resolve absolute paths and prevent directory traversal attempts. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation ensures that the web application runs with minimal necessary permissions, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file access patterns and directory traversal attempts in web server logs. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and the principle of least privilege in web application development, as outlined in various security frameworks including OWASP Top 10 and NIST Cybersecurity Framework guidelines.