CVE-2008-0782 in MoinMoin
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in MoinMoin 1.5.8 and earlier allows remote attackers to overwrite arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the MOIN_ID user ID in a cookie for a userform action. NOTE: this issue can be leveraged for PHP code execution via the quicklinks parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-0782 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting MoinMoin versions 1.5.8 and earlier. This weakness resides in the userform action implementation where the application fails to properly sanitize user input contained within the MOIN_ID cookie parameter. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the MOIN_ID user ID contains directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) characters, enabling attackers to manipulate file paths and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. This directory traversal vulnerability operates at the application level and demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation and path resolution mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the MOIN_ID cookie value, which is processed during userform actions within the MoinMoin wiki application. When the application processes this cookie value without proper sanitization, it allows attackers to traverse directory structures and potentially overwrite files in unintended locations. The vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous when combined with the quicklinks parameter, as this creates an avenue for remote code execution through PHP code injection. The combination of directory traversal with PHP execution capabilities transforms this into a severe security flaw that could allow full system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0782 extends beyond simple file access violations to encompass potential complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can overwrite critical application files, inject malicious code into the web application, or modify configuration files that control application behavior. The ability to execute PHP code through the quicklinks parameter significantly amplifies the threat, as it allows attackers to run arbitrary commands on the server with the privileges of the web application process. This vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of the wiki application, potentially leading to data loss, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and complete system takeover.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected MoinMoin installations to versions that properly sanitize user input and implement proper path validation. Organizations should implement strict input validation mechanisms that filter out directory traversal sequences such as .. characters from all user-supplied data, particularly cookie values and form parameters. The implementation should follow established security practices such as those outlined in CWE-22, which addresses directory traversal vulnerabilities, and align with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and code injection. Additionally, deploying web application firewalls and implementing proper access controls can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.