CVE-2008-0158 in Shop-Script
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in Shop-Script 2.0 and possibly other versions allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the aux_page parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0158 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Shop-Script e-commerce platform version 2.0 and potentially other iterations. This security weakness resides in the index.php file and specifically affects the aux_page parameter handling mechanism. The flaw enables malicious actors to exploit improper input validation techniques that fail to adequately sanitize user-supplied data before processing file system requests. Such vulnerabilities fall under the broader category of CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory and are classified as path traversal attacks within the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of Path Traversal.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the absence of proper input filtering and validation for the aux_page parameter. When a remote attacker submits a crafted request containing .. (dot dot) sequences within the aux_page parameter, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before using it in file system operations. This allows the attacker to traverse directory structures and access files outside the intended web root directory. The vulnerability specifically targets the application's file inclusion mechanism, where user input directly influences which files are processed or retrieved by the system. The flaw essentially permits an attacker to bypass normal file access controls and potentially read sensitive system files, configuration data, or even source code files that should remain protected from external access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can provide attackers with access to critical system resources and sensitive data. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially read database configuration files containing administrative credentials, access application source code that might reveal additional security flaws, or obtain other system files that could aid in further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of the affected system, as unauthorized access to system files can lead to complete system compromise. In a production environment, this vulnerability could result in data breaches, unauthorized access to customer information, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges and can be executed remotely without authentication, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms. The primary defense involves ensuring that all user-supplied input is properly validated and sanitized before being processed by the application. This includes implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e. The system should enforce a whitelist approach for file access, where only predetermined and safe file paths are allowed for processing. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation can help limit the damage from successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider applying the principle of least privilege by ensuring that the web application runs with minimal necessary permissions and that sensitive files are properly protected. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. The remediation efforts should align with security best practices outlined in industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, particularly focusing on secure coding practices and input validation controls to prevent similar path traversal vulnerabilities from occurring in the future.