CVE-2008-0425 in Frimousse
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in explorerdir.php in Frimousse 0.0.2 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files and list arbitrary directories via a full pathname in the name parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0425 represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw within the Frimousse 0.0.2 web application's explorerdir.php component. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation and specifically manifests as a directory traversal attack vector that enables remote adversaries to access arbitrary files and directories on the affected system. The flaw resides in how the application processes the name parameter, which is intended to specify directory names for exploration but fails to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied input containing full pathnames.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms before processing user-provided directory names. When a remote attacker supplies a full pathname through the name parameter, the application directly incorporates this input into file system operations without adequate verification or filtering. This allows attackers to manipulate the directory traversal behavior and access files outside the intended directory structure, potentially leading to unauthorized data exposure and system enumeration. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a well-documented weakness in web application security that has been consistently observed across various platforms and frameworks. The attack vector operates through HTTP requests that include malicious path specifications, enabling adversaries to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain access to sensitive system files, configuration data, or other restricted resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it provides attackers with the capability to enumerate entire directory structures and potentially extract sensitive information from the target system. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to perform reconnaissance activities, identify system layout, and gather intelligence about the underlying infrastructure. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its remote exploitability, meaning that attackers do not require local system access or authentication credentials to exploit the flaw. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in web-facing applications where the attack surface is already large and accessible to anyone on the internet. The potential for data exfiltration and system compromise increases significantly when combined with other vulnerabilities or when the application has access to sensitive directories or files. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, as it enables adversaries to enumerate file systems and identify potentially sensitive data locations. The vulnerability also relates to T1566 - Phishing with Malicious Attachments, as attackers might use the directory traversal to access and retrieve sensitive documents or configuration files that could be used for further attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0425 must address both the immediate security flaw and implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future. The primary remediation involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file system operations. Applications should employ whitelisting approaches where only predefined, safe directory paths are allowed, and any input containing absolute paths or directory traversal sequences should be rejected. The implementation of proper path normalization and canonicalization techniques can help ensure that user input is processed within intended boundaries. Additionally, the application should enforce strict access controls and implement the principle of least privilege, ensuring that the web application has minimal necessary permissions to operate. Security headers and application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by filtering suspicious requests before they reach the vulnerable code. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar input validation vulnerabilities throughout the application codebase. Organizations should also implement proper logging and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures to address successful attacks. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of input validation and proper security design principles in web application development, emphasizing that all user-supplied data should be treated as potentially malicious and validated accordingly.