CVE-2008-0140 in Uebimiau
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in error.php in Uebimiau Webmail 2.7.10 and 2.7.2 allows remote authenticated users to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the selected_theme parameter, a different vector than CVE-2007-3172.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-0140 represents a directory traversal flaw within the Uebimiau Webmail 2.7.10 and 2.7.2 applications, specifically affecting the error.php script. This issue enables remote authenticated attackers to access arbitrary files on the server by manipulating the selected_theme parameter through directory traversal sequences using double dots. The vulnerability operates as a distinct attack vector from CVE-2007-3172, indicating that the exploitation mechanism differs from previous similar flaws in the same software ecosystem. The affected software version demonstrates a critical weakness in input validation and file access control mechanisms, where user-supplied parameters are not adequately sanitized before being used in file system operations. This particular flaw falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a fundamental security issue in web applications that handle file operations. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the selected_theme parameter, allowing attackers to traverse directory structures and potentially access sensitive files such as configuration files, database credentials, or system files that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated user session within the Uebimiau Webmail application, which significantly reduces the attack surface compared to unauthenticated attacks. However, the impact remains severe as authenticated users can leverage this flaw to escalate their privileges and access confidential data that would normally be restricted. The attack vector specifically targets the error.php script which handles theme selection and rendering, making it a critical component for exploitation. When an attacker crafts a malicious request containing directory traversal sequences in the selected_theme parameter, the web application processes these sequences without proper validation, leading to unauthorized file access. The implementation flaw lies in how the application constructs file paths based on user input, failing to ensure that the requested theme files remain within the designated theme directories. This vulnerability directly relates to the ATT&CK technique T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, where adversaries seek to identify files and directories on compromised systems. The security implications extend beyond simple information disclosure as attackers could potentially access sensitive configuration files that contain database connection strings, API keys, or other credentials that could facilitate further attacks on the underlying infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0140 extends beyond immediate data exposure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks within the compromised environment. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to obtain system-level information that might reveal the underlying operating system, web server configuration, or database structure, providing valuable intelligence for subsequent attacks. Organizations running affected versions of Uebimiau Webmail face significant risk of data breaches, especially if the application is deployed in environments containing sensitive corporate or personal information. The vulnerability's presence in both 2.7.10 and 2.7.2 versions indicates a persistent flaw in the codebase that was not properly addressed in the immediate patch cycle, suggesting potential issues with the software development lifecycle and security testing procedures. The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK tactic T1566 - Phishing, as attackers might use this flaw to gather intelligence from authenticated users or to escalate privileges within the application. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the vendor-provided patches, implementing proper input validation, and conducting security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of their webmail infrastructure. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of principle of least privilege in web application design, where file access operations should be strictly limited to predetermined directories and validated against a whitelist of acceptable values to prevent directory traversal attacks.