CVE-2007-6317 in Barracudadrive Web Server Home Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in BarracudaDrive Web Server before 3.8 allow (1) remote attackers to read arbitrary files via certain ..\ (dot dot backslash) sequences in the URL path, or (2) remote authenticated users to delete arbitrary files or create arbitrary directories via a ..\ (dot dot backslash) sequence in the dir parameter to /drive/c/bdusers/USER/.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6317 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the BarracudaDrive Web Server version 3.7 and earlier, exposing systems to significant security risks through improper input validation mechanisms. This vulnerability stems from the server's failure to adequately sanitize user-supplied input containing directory traversal sequences, specifically the ..\ (dot dot backslash) pattern that allows attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure. The flaw exists at the core of the web server's path resolution logic, where it does not properly validate or filter special characters that could manipulate the file system navigation paths.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through two distinct attack vectors that leverage the same underlying flaw but differ in their execution methods and target scopes. The first vector targets unauthenticated remote attackers who can exploit the vulnerability by crafting malicious URLs containing ..\ sequences in the path component, enabling them to read arbitrary files from the server's file system. This allows attackers to access sensitive information including configuration files, user credentials, application source code, and other confidential data that should remain protected. The second vector targets authenticated users who possess valid login credentials, enabling them to perform more destructive actions including arbitrary file deletion and directory creation through manipulation of the dir parameter in the specific endpoint /drive/c/bdusers/USER/. This authenticated variant presents a particularly dangerous threat as it allows attackers to potentially compromise the entire server infrastructure by creating malicious directories or deleting critical system files.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-6317 extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server's file system operations. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data breaches. The authenticated variant poses an even greater risk as it allows privilege escalation and persistent access to the server environment. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The attack patterns employed here also correspond to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) tactics, as attackers can use this vulnerability to discover system files and potentially establish persistent access through malicious file creation or deletion.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigation strategies including upgrading to BarracudaDrive Web Server version 3.8 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the directory traversal flaw. Additional protective measures include implementing proper input validation at all entry points, particularly for URL path components and file operation parameters, and configuring web server restrictions to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the scope of potential exploitation, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect suspicious file access patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and the principle of least privilege in web application security, as even authenticated users should not be permitted to manipulate system directories through web interfaces without proper authorization checks and validation mechanisms.