CVE-2008-0156 in Million Dollar Script
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in index.php in Million Dollar Script 2.0.14 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via encoded "/" (%2F) sequences in the link parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0156 represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw within the Million Dollar Script 2.0.14 web application. This security weakness exists in the index.php file and enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server by manipulating the link parameter through encoded forward slash sequences. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle encoded URL characters, creating an attack vector that can be exploited without authentication.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input in the link parameter. When attackers submit encoded forward slash characters (%2F) within the link parameter, the application processes these sequences without sufficient validation, allowing them to traverse the file system beyond intended boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input filtering and output encoding that enables attackers to manipulate file access controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially allow attackers to access sensitive files such as configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential data stored on the server. Remote exploitation means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit this weakness. The attack can be executed from any location with internet connectivity, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002, which involves data from information repositories, as it enables unauthorized access to stored application data and system files.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization measures. The application should enforce strict parameter validation that rejects or decodes any encoded path traversal sequences before processing user input. Security patches should be implemented to ensure that all file access operations use whitelisting mechanisms or proper path normalization techniques. Additionally, the application should employ proper access controls that prevent traversal beyond designated directories and implement secure coding practices that eliminate the possibility of path manipulation through user-supplied parameters. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious parameter patterns that may indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability.