CVE-2008-0612 in XOOPS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in htdocs/install/index.php in XOOPS 2.0.18 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the lang parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0612 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the XOOPS content management system version 2.0.18. This issue specifically affects the installation script located at htdocs/install/index.php, making it susceptible to remote code execution through improper input validation. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input parameters, particularly the lang parameter which is used to determine the language configuration during the installation process. When an attacker manipulates this parameter using directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot), the system inadvertently allows access to arbitrary local files that should remain protected.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, also known as path traversal or directory traversal. The flaw enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially execute malicious code on the target system. The security implications are severe as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. The installation script typically contains sensitive configuration information and system files that could be exposed or manipulated through this vulnerability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a potential entry point for attackers to escalate privileges and gain full control over the affected system. Attackers can leverage this flaw to include and execute arbitrary local files, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the installation phase of XOOPS, which means that even before the application is fully operational, an attacker could exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to the server. This makes the attack surface particularly concerning as it targets the initial setup process where security measures might be less stringent.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the XOOPS installation to the latest available version that contains the fix for this directory traversal issue. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent directory traversal attacks, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are thoroughly checked against allowed character sets and patterns. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting file access permissions and implementing proper access controls around installation and configuration files. Additionally, network segmentation and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to monitor for suspicious access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the web application stack, as this type of vulnerability often indicates broader security gaps in the application architecture. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059 for command and script injection, highlighting the potential for malicious code execution through improper input handling.