CVE-2008-0361 in GradMan
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in agregar_info.php in GradMan 0.1.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the tabla parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0361 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within GradMan version 0.1.3 and earlier, specifically affecting the agregar_info.php script. This weakness enables remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms by exploiting improper input validation in the tabla parameter. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to adequately sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file operations, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to navigate the filesystem beyond intended boundaries.
This directory traversal vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw operates by allowing attackers to inject .. (dot dot) sequences into the tabla parameter, which then gets processed by the application's file inclusion functions. When the application fails to properly validate or sanitize this input, it can lead to arbitrary file inclusion and execution, potentially allowing attackers to access sensitive system files, execute malicious code, or gain unauthorized access to the underlying operating system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the target system. Attackers can leverage this weakness to include local files that may contain malicious payloads, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects web applications that implement dynamic file inclusion based on user input without proper validation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application runs with elevated privileges. This type of attack can result in data breaches, system takeover, and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the application's directory structure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0361 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within the application code. The most effective approach involves validating all user-supplied input against a strict whitelist of allowed characters and patterns, ensuring that directory traversal sequences cannot be processed. Additionally, applications should employ proper file access controls and implement the principle of least privilege when executing file operations. Security measures should include input filtering to remove or encode potentially dangerous sequences, as well as implementing secure coding practices that prevent dynamic file inclusion based on untrusted input. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities within their application portfolios. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands through file inclusion mechanisms, and T1566 for credential access through exploitation of software vulnerabilities.