CVE-2008-0480 in Forums
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Web Wiz Forums 9.07 and earlier allow remote attackers to list arbitrary directories, and .txt and .zip files, via a .....\\\ in the sub parameter to (1) RTE_file_browser.asp or (2) file_browser.asp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0480 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Web Wiz Forums version 9.07 and earlier. This security weakness manifests in two distinct attack vectors through the RTE_file_browser.asp and file_browser.asp scripts, both of which process user-supplied input through the sub parameter. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle malicious path traversal sequences containing multiple backslash characters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the insertion of carefully crafted path traversal sequences such as .....\\ into the sub parameter of the affected scripts. When processed by the vulnerable application, these sequences allow attackers to bypass normal directory access controls and enumerate arbitrary directories on the server filesystem. The impact extends beyond simple directory listing to include access to sensitive text and zip files that may contain confidential information, configuration data, or application source code that could be leveraged for further exploitation.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw represents a fundamental failure in input validation that enables attackers to manipulate file access patterns and gain unauthorized access to server resources. From an operational perspective, the vulnerability provides attackers with reconnaissance capabilities that could lead to more severe compromises including privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or system compromise.
The attack surface for this vulnerability encompasses any system running Web Wiz Forums 9.07 or earlier versions where the affected scripts are accessible over the network. Attackers can leverage this weakness to map the server filesystem, identify sensitive files, and potentially extract confidential information. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation does not require local system access, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework, specifically under the reconnaissance and credential access phases where attackers seek to understand system structure and access sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0480 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Web Wiz Forums installations to version 9.08 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization measures including the removal of special characters from user-supplied paths, employing strict path validation techniques, and restricting file access permissions can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Network segmentation and web application firewalls should also be deployed to monitor and filter malicious traffic patterns associated with directory traversal attempts. Regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the application stack.