CVE-2008-0466 in Web Wiz Rich Text Editor
Summary
by MITRE
Web Wiz RTE_file_browser.asp in, as used in Web Wiz Rich Text Editor 4.0, Web Wiz Forums 9.07, and Web Wiz Newspad 1.02, does not require authentication, which allows remote attackers to list directories and read files. NOTE: this can be leveraged for listings outside the configured directory tree by exploiting a separate directory traversal vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0466 affects the Web Wiz Rich Text Editor suite, specifically targeting the RTE_file_browser.asp component. This flaw represents a critical authentication bypass issue that enables remote attackers to access sensitive system resources without proper authorization. The vulnerability exists within the file browser functionality of Web Wiz Forums 9.07, Web Wiz Rich Text Editor 4.0, and Web Wiz Newspad 1.02, creating a widespread security concern across multiple products in the Web Wiz software ecosystem. The flaw directly violates fundamental security principles by failing to implement proper access controls for file browsing operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of authentication checks within the RTE_file_browser.asp script. When attackers access this component, they can traverse the file system without providing valid credentials or session tokens. This authentication bypass allows for unrestricted directory listing and file reading capabilities, potentially exposing sensitive data, configuration files, and system resources. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the file system navigation functionality, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that store sensitive information in their directory structures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can be exploited to perform directory traversal attacks. Attackers can leverage the initial authentication bypass to access files and directories outside the intended application scope, potentially reaching system-level directories and sensitive configuration files. This capability significantly amplifies the risk, as it enables attackers to gather information about the underlying system architecture, access application source code, and potentially discover other vulnerabilities. The combination of authentication bypass and directory traversal creates a powerful attack vector that can be used for reconnaissance and further exploitation activities.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues in software applications. The flaw also corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory traversal attacks and file and directory discovery. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling the vulnerable file browser component, implementing proper authentication mechanisms, and restricting file system access through proper input validation and access controls. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit access to the affected components, while regular security audits should verify that no unauthorized access paths remain available.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper access control implementation in web applications. The flaw represents a classic example of insufficient authentication mechanisms that can lead to complete system compromise when combined with directory traversal capabilities. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems and implementing comprehensive security controls to prevent unauthorized file access and directory listing operations. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar authentication bypass vulnerabilities in other application components, ensuring that proper access controls are maintained throughout the software ecosystem.