CVE-2008-0465 in Seagull
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in optimizer.php in Seagull 0.6.3 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the files parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0465 represents a classic directory traversal flaw within the Seagull content management system version 0.6.3. This security weakness resides in the optimizer.php component which fails to properly validate user input parameters, specifically the files parameter that controls file operations. The flaw enables malicious actors to manipulate the application's file handling mechanisms by injecting directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and demonstrates a fundamental failure in input sanitization and access control implementation within the web application framework.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a crafted request containing directory traversal sequences within the files parameter of optimizer.php. The application processes this input without adequate validation, allowing the attacker to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category known as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')", which is classified as a critical security weakness in software applications. The vulnerability enables unauthorized access to sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and potentially system files that should remain protected from external access.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing Seagull 0.6.3 as their content management platform. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise through exposure of sensitive data, unauthorized access to administrative functions, and potential privilege escalation opportunities. Attackers could retrieve database connection strings, application configuration files containing cryptographic keys, user credentials, and other confidential information that would facilitate further attacks. The vulnerability also represents a potential vector for code execution if the application allows file inclusion operations on the affected component, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application has write permissions to critical directories.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the Seagull CMS to a version that addresses the directory traversal flaw, as well as implementing input validation measures at the application level. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls that can detect and block directory traversal attempts, and establish proper file access controls that limit the application's ability to read arbitrary files. The remediation process should involve comprehensive code review to ensure all file handling operations properly validate input parameters and implement proper path normalization techniques. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege for web application processes and conducting regular security assessments would help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future development cycles, aligning with security best practices recommended by frameworks such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.