CVE-2005-2786 in Cosmoshop
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in bestmail_edit.cgi in cosmoshop 8.10.78 and earlier allows remote administrators to read arbitrary files via ".." sequences in the file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2786 represents a classic directory traversal flaw that affects the cosmoshop e-commerce platform version 8.10.78 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the bestmail_edit.cgi script which processes file parameters without proper input validation, allowing attackers to manipulate file paths through directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability specifically targets remote administrative accounts, making it particularly dangerous as it could enable unauthorized access to sensitive system files and data. The exploitation mechanism relies on the use of ".." sequences in the file parameter, which when processed by the vulnerable script, can navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary files on the server.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, also known as path traversal or directory traversal. The weakness exists due to insufficient validation of user-supplied input in the file parameter handling mechanism within the bestmail_edit.cgi script. The vulnerability is classified as a remote attack vector since it can be exploited over the network without requiring local system access, and it requires administrative privileges to be effectively exploited, though the initial exploitation does not necessarily require authentication. The attack surface is limited to the specific CGI script and the file system paths it can access, but given that it affects administrative functionality, the potential impact extends to sensitive configuration files, log files, and potentially system credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file reading capabilities, as it could potentially expose sensitive data including but not limited to system configuration files, database connection details, user credentials, and application source code. Remote administrators who are authenticated to the cosmoshop system could leverage this vulnerability to access files that should normally be restricted, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the system, as it allows unauthorized access to data that should remain protected. Organizations using cosmoshop versions prior to 8.10.78 are at risk of data exposure and potential system infiltration, with the severity amplified by the fact that the vulnerability affects administrative functionality. The attack could be automated and executed by any remote attacker who has access to the vulnerable system, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the system is exposed to untrusted networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the cosmoshop platform to version 8.10.78 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the directory traversal issue. Organizations should also implement proper input validation mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file path operations. The implementation of proper access controls and privilege separation ensures that administrative functions are properly protected and that file access operations are restricted to appropriate directories. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit access to administrative interfaces and CGI scripts. Additionally, regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other applications and systems. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in web applications, as the flaw could have been prevented through proper implementation of path validation and access control measures. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts of this type of vulnerability.