CVE-2007-6214 in LearnLoop
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in include/file_download.php in LearnLoop 2.0 beta7 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the sFilePath parameter. NOTE: exploitation requires that the product is configured, but has zero files in the database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6214 represents a directory traversal flaw within the LearnLoop 2.0 beta7 learning management system. This security weakness resides in the file_download.php component which processes file paths through the sFilePath parameter, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to access unauthorized system resources. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file operations, allowing attackers to manipulate the file path through directory traversal sequences.
The technical nature of this flaw aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes directory traversal vulnerabilities as weaknesses that occur when applications allow users to specify file paths that can navigate outside of intended directories. In this case, the .. (dot dot) sequence enables attackers to move up directory levels and access files that should remain protected. The vulnerability requires specific configuration conditions to be exploitable, namely that the product must be configured and have zero files stored in its database at the time of attack. This configuration dependency suggests that the vulnerability may not be immediately exploitable in all deployments, but rather requires a particular setup where the application's file handling logic can be manipulated.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it can potentially expose sensitive system information, configuration files, or even executable code that could lead to further compromise. Attackers could leverage this weakness to read system files, database credentials, application source code, or other confidential information that should remain protected within the application's secure boundaries. The fact that exploitation requires the product to be configured, yet has zero files in the database, indicates that the vulnerability is most dangerous in environments where the application is properly set up but lacks proper input validation controls.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in relation to the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and credential access techniques, as directory traversal attacks often serve as initial access vectors that can lead to more significant compromises. The recommended mitigations include implementing proper input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file operations. Organizations should ensure that file path parameters are strictly validated against a whitelist of allowed directories, and that the application enforces proper access controls to prevent traversal beyond designated file system boundaries. Additionally, the application should implement proper error handling that does not reveal sensitive file system information to users, and regular security audits should verify that no directory traversal vulnerabilities exist in the code base.