CVE-2008-0545 in Bubbling Library
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Bubbling Library 1.32 allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the (1) uri parameter to (a) yui-menu.tpl.php, (b) simple.tpl.php, and (c) advanced.tpl.php in dispatcher/framework/; and the (2) page parameter to (d) yui-menu.php, (e) simple.php, and (f) advanced.php in dispatcher/framework/, different vectors than CVE-2008-0521.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-0545 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Bubbling Library version 1.32 that affects multiple PHP script files in the dispatcher/framework directory. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to exploit the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user input parameters, specifically targeting the uri and page parameters that are processed by several template and PHP files. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms by injecting directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation, which can lead to unauthorized access to local files and potential remote code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple files including yui-menu.tpl.php, simple.tpl.php, advanced.tpl.php, yui-menu.php, simple.php, and advanced.php, indicating a systemic issue in how the application handles file path resolution and user input validation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize the uri and page parameters before processing them in file inclusion operations. When attackers supply malicious input containing .. sequences, the application interprets these as directory navigation commands and attempts to include files from unintended locations within the server's file system. This creates a path traversal condition where the application's file handling logic does not adequately restrict access to files outside of the intended directories. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')", which is a fundamental security flaw that has been consistently documented in various security frameworks and standards. The attack vector specifically targets the PHP include or require functions that are commonly used in web applications to dynamically load content, making it a prime target for exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access and can potentially enable complete system compromise if attackers can access sensitive files such as configuration data, database credentials, or application source code. The vulnerability's ability to affect multiple files in the dispatcher/framework directory suggests that it may provide access to core application functionality and could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web applications because it can be exploited through simple HTTP requests without requiring authentication or specialized tools. The impact aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1566.001 for "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment" when considering the potential for privilege escalation and lateral movement within compromised systems. Organizations using Bubbling Library 1.32 are at risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data and potential complete system compromise, especially if the application has access to sensitive files or system resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. The most effective approach involves implementing strict path validation that ensures all file paths are resolved within predetermined safe directories and that any .. sequences are rejected or properly handled. Application developers should implement whitelisting mechanisms for file parameters, validate all user inputs against expected patterns, and use secure file inclusion practices that do not rely on user-supplied data for determining file paths. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block directory traversal attack patterns, and perform regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of their web applications. The fix should include updating to a patched version of Bubbling Library or implementing proper input sanitization functions that specifically address path traversal attacks, as this vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in how the application handles user-provided file path information.