CVE-2008-0091 in WEBFTP
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in download2.php in AGENCY4NET WEBFTP 1 allows remote attackers to read and delete arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0091 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the AGENCY4NET WEBFTP 1 web application's download2.php component. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied file parameters, creating an exploitable condition where remote attackers can manipulate file paths to access unauthorized system resources. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the file parameter contains directory traversal sequences such as .. or similar path manipulation constructs that should be restricted or filtered by the application's security controls.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially read sensitive files, delete critical system components, or access restricted directories that should remain protected from unauthorized access. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates entirely through HTTP requests without requiring authentication or privileged access to the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack techniques. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to access configuration files, database files, system logs, and other sensitive data that may contain credentials, system information, or other valuable assets. The ability to delete arbitrary files through this vulnerability further amplifies the damage potential, as it can result in data loss, service disruption, or the removal of critical system components that maintain application functionality.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of input validation and output encoding practices that are essential for web application security. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through path traversal, where attackers can leverage weak input validation controls to gain unauthorized access to system resources. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation, canonicalize all user inputs, and enforce strict access controls to prevent such attacks. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and patch management procedures, as this flaw was present in a widely used web application framework that should have been identified and remediated through proper security testing protocols.