CVE-2007-6604 in XCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in index.php in XCMS 1.82 and earlier allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in (1) the s parameter to the admin page or (2) the pg parameter to an arbitrary module, as demonstrated by reading a password hash in a .dtb file under dati/membri/ or by executing embedded PHP code in images under uploads/avatar/.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6604 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in XCMS version 1.82 and earlier, exposing systems to remote code execution and sensitive data disclosure. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the index.php file, specifically affecting the s parameter in admin pages and the pg parameter in arbitrary modules. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate file path references through directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation, bypassing normal access controls and potentially gaining unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability operates through parameter manipulation where attackers can inject directory traversal sequences into the s and pg parameters. When the application processes these parameters without proper sanitization, it constructs file paths that resolve to arbitrary locations on the server filesystem. 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 enables attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access files that should remain protected, including sensitive configuration files, database files, and user data.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-6604 extends beyond simple file reading capabilities to encompass potential remote code execution and complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access .dtb files containing password hashes in the dati/membri/ directory, which could facilitate credential theft and further privilege escalation attacks. Additionally, the vulnerability allows execution of embedded PHP code within image files stored in uploads/avatar/ directory, representing a severe security risk that could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected server. This dual capability of data exfiltration and code execution aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential access through compromised accounts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures across all user-controllable parameters. System administrators should implement proper parameter validation that rejects or filters out directory traversal sequences before processing user input. The recommended approach involves employing whitelist validation techniques that only accept predetermined safe parameter values, ensuring that path resolution operations cannot be manipulated to access unauthorized resources. Additionally, implementing proper file access controls through secure coding practices such as using absolute paths, implementing proper privilege separation, and employing secure file handling mechanisms will significantly reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security audits to detect and prevent similar vulnerabilities in other applications within their infrastructure, as this type of vulnerability frequently appears in legacy web applications and represents a common vector for advanced persistent threats targeting web-based systems.