CVE-2007-6475 in Gf 3xplorer
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in GF-3XPLORER 2.4 allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the lang_sel parameter to (1) updater.php and (2) thumber.php.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6475 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting GF-3XPLORER version 2.4, specifically targeting two key components: updater.php and thumber.php. This vulnerability resides within the application's input validation mechanisms, where the lang_sel parameter fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing file inclusion operations. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the application's file handling routines by injecting directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation, thereby gaining unauthorized access to arbitrary local files on the server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the lang_sel parameter in the affected PHP scripts. When an attacker submits a crafted payload containing directory traversal sequences, the application processes these inputs without adequate validation, allowing the attacker to navigate outside the intended directory boundaries. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in input sanitization and access control enforcement within the application's file inclusion mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass full system compromise potential. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code on the affected server by including and executing local files, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the system or local network presence to exploit the vulnerability. This creates a significant risk for organizations deploying GF-3XPLORER 2.4 in production environments, as the attack surface is expanded to include all remote users with access to the vulnerable web interface.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The recommended approach involves implementing strict whitelisting of valid language parameters and rejecting any input containing directory traversal sequences. Additionally, the application should enforce proper access controls and implement the principle of least privilege when handling file operations. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential access through exploitation of remote services. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious traversal attempts, while ensuring regular security updates and patches are applied to eliminate such vulnerabilities in the application stack.