CVE-2007-6508 in xeCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in view.php in xeCMS 1.0 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a ..%2F (dot dot slash) in the list parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6508 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the xeCMS 1.0 content management system, specifically affecting the view.php script. This weakness enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server by manipulating the list parameter through encoded directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter or reject malicious path traversal attempts. When an attacker crafts a request containing ..%2F sequences within the list parameter, the application processes these inputs without sufficient security controls, allowing unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory structure. The affected xeCMS 1.0 system demonstrates a fundamental lack of proper access control and input sanitization that directly violates established security principles. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to potentially access sensitive system files, configuration data, or other confidential information stored on the web server. The impact extends beyond simple file reading, as attackers could potentially access database configuration files, user credentials, or other system files that could lead to further compromise of the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This weakness allows attackers to access files and directories that are stored outside the web root folder by manipulating variables that reference files with "dot-dot-slash" sequences or similar techniques. The specific exploitation mechanism involves URL encoding of the directory traversal characters, where ..%2F represents the traditional dot-dot-slash pattern in URL-encoded format. The vulnerability exists because the application does not properly validate or sanitize user input before using it to construct file paths. This flaw represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and inadequate access control enforcement, where the application fails to implement proper path resolution mechanisms that would prevent access to files outside the intended scope. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it operates over HTTP protocols and can be executed through standard web browser requests without requiring specialized tools or privileged access. Security researchers have identified that this vulnerability classifies under the broader category of path traversal attacks that have been consistently exploited across numerous web applications and operating systems.
From an operational perspective, the exploitation of CVE-2007-6508 can lead to significant compromise of the affected system and its data. Attackers can potentially access sensitive files including configuration settings, database connection details, user credentials, and application source code that could reveal additional vulnerabilities. The impact extends to potential data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and subsequent exploitation of other vulnerabilities within the compromised environment. Organizations running xeCMS 1.0 are particularly vulnerable as this flaw affects the core functionality of the content management system, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to all files that the web server process has permissions to read. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges or move laterally within the network if the compromised system has access to other resources. This type of vulnerability typically aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory and file permissions enumeration, as attackers can systematically explore the file system to identify valuable targets. The lack of proper input validation creates a persistent risk that remains active until the underlying code is patched or the application is properly secured.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-6508 must address both the immediate vulnerability and implement broader security controls to prevent similar issues. The primary recommendation involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied data, particularly parameters used in file access operations. Organizations should employ absolute path resolution mechanisms that prevent path traversal by ensuring all file operations occur within predetermined directories. Input filtering should reject or encode special characters including dots, slashes, and backslashes that could be used in directory traversal attempts. The implementation of proper access controls and least privilege principles is essential, ensuring that web server processes have minimal required permissions to access files. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious path traversal patterns in real-time. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and scripts. The remediation process requires updating to patched versions of xeCMS 1.0 or implementing proper input validation mechanisms that prevent the exploitation of directory traversal vulnerabilities. Security monitoring should include detection of URL-encoded directory traversal sequences and other suspicious patterns that could indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability class. Organizations should also implement proper logging and alerting mechanisms to detect unauthorized file access attempts and maintain comprehensive backup strategies to recover from potential compromise scenarios.