CVE-2007-6615 in phpAutoVideo
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in includes/block.php in Agares Media phpAutoVideo 2.21 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via directory traversal sequences in the selected_provider parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6615 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Agares Media phpAutoVideo 2.21 web application. This vulnerability exists in the includes/block.php file where the application fails to properly validate user input passed through the selected_provider parameter. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms by exploiting directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ which can bypass normal file access controls. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category known as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')", which is classified as a high-severity issue in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The vulnerability specifically targets the application's file inclusion functionality, creating a pathway for attackers to access arbitrary local files on the server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input containing directory traversal sequences and passes it as the selected_provider parameter to the block.php script. The phpAutoVideo application processes this input without adequate sanitization or validation, allowing the traversal sequences to navigate outside the intended directory structure. This enables attackers to include and execute local files that should normally be restricted, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or sensitive data exposure. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates over remote network connections without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any attacker with network access to the vulnerable system. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and proper file access control mechanisms, which are fundamental security practices recommended by the Open Web Application Security Project and other industry security standards.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access to potentially enable complete system compromise. Attackers could leverage this flaw to read sensitive configuration files, database credentials, or application source code that contains privileged information. In more severe scenarios, successful exploitation might allow execution of malicious code on the target server, potentially leading to full system compromise or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects organizations using phpAutoVideo 2.21 who may be unaware of the security implications, as the flaw exists in the application's core file inclusion logic. Organizations running this version of phpAutoVideo are exposed to potential data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations, particularly in regulated environments where proper access controls and input validation are mandatory requirements.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-6615 should focus on immediate remediation through application updates or patches provided by the vendor, as this vulnerability has been widely recognized and addressed in subsequent releases. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The implementation of a whitelist-based approach for acceptable file paths can prevent traversal attacks by only allowing access to predetermined directories and files. Network-level defenses such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of protection by detecting and blocking suspicious directory traversal patterns. Security configuration reviews should include verification of file inclusion mechanisms and enforcement of proper access controls. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1566.001 for "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment" in scenarios where attackers might leverage this flaw to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within compromised systems. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future applications.