CVE-2008-0458 in SLAED
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in function/sources.php in SLAED CMS 2.5 Lite allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the newlang parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0458 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the SLAED CMS 2.5 Lite content management system. This issue specifically affects the function/sources.php component and enables remote attackers to exploit a weakness in the parameter validation mechanism. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input passed through the newlang parameter in the index.php script, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths and access restricted system resources.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The flaw exists because the application does not adequately validate or sanitize the newlang parameter before using it in file inclusion operations. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious URLs containing .. (dot dot) sequences that navigate upward through the directory structure, potentially accessing sensitive files such as configuration databases, system credentials, or other restricted resources that should remain inaccessible to unauthorized users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary local files on the target system. This remote code execution capability stems from the improper file inclusion mechanism that allows attackers to specify file paths that bypass normal access controls. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, data theft, or the installation of backdoors. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the CMS installation, potentially exposing sensitive user data and system configurations to unauthorized access. Organizations running SLAED CMS 2.5 Lite are particularly at risk since this vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication, making it especially dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. The recommended approach includes implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e. Security measures should also incorporate proper access control lists and ensure that file inclusion operations use whitelisting mechanisms rather than direct user input. Additionally, the application should employ proper path normalization techniques and implement the principle of least privilege when executing file operations. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers command and scripting interpreter: PowerShell, and represents a classic example of how inadequate input validation can lead to remote code execution in web applications. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability through official updates from the SLAED CMS developers and conduct thorough security assessments of their web applications to identify similar path traversal vulnerabilities in other components.