CVE-2008-0798 in Artmedic Weblog
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in artmedic webdesign weblog 1.0, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the (1) ta parameter to artmedic_index.php, reached through index.php; and the (2) date parameter to artmedic_print.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2024
The CVE-2008-0798 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting the artmedic webdesign weblog version 1.0, specifically exploiting the absence of proper input validation mechanisms when the PHP configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled. This vulnerability manifests in two distinct attack vectors within the web application's file handling processes, creating significant security risks for affected systems. The flaw occurs because the application fails to sanitize user-supplied input parameters before using them in file system operations, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths and access unauthorized resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of user input in two specific PHP scripts. In the first instance, the ta parameter within artmedic_index.php, which is accessed through index.php, accepts directory traversal sequences that are not properly validated or sanitized. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, the application processes these input values directly without escaping or filtering special characters, enabling attackers to append directory traversal sequences such as ../ to navigate to parent directories and access files outside the intended web root. Similarly, the date parameter in artmedic_print.php presents the same vulnerability, allowing attackers to manipulate file paths through the date input field and potentially access sensitive system files, configuration data, or other unauthorized resources.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks. The operational impact of CVE-2008-0798 extends beyond simple file reading capabilities, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access database files, configuration settings, application source code, and potentially system files that contain sensitive information such as database credentials, user authentication details, or system configuration parameters. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where the web application runs with elevated privileges, as it could potentially allow attackers to escalate their access and execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically covering techniques related to credential access and privilege escalation through file system manipulation. The attack pattern follows the typical methodology of directory traversal exploitation where attackers craft malicious input to bypass access controls and gain unauthorized access to system resources. Organizations running vulnerable versions of artmedic webdesign weblog should immediately implement mitigation strategies including input validation, proper parameter sanitization, and enabling magic_quotes_gpc if possible, though this latter approach is considered deprecated in modern PHP versions. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, restricting file system permissions, and deploying web application firewalls can provide layered defense against this type of exploitation, while regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar flaws in other applications.
The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper input validation and the dangers of relying on deprecated security measures like magic_quotes_gpc, which was removed in PHP 5.3.0 due to its inherent limitations and potential for creating false security senses. Modern security practices emphasize the implementation of robust input sanitization, parameterized queries, and comprehensive access control mechanisms rather than depending on deprecated features that may not provide adequate protection against contemporary attack vectors. Organizations should prioritize updating to supported versions of web applications, implementing proper security configurations, and maintaining current security patches to protect against similar directory traversal vulnerabilities that continue to plague web applications today.