CVE-2008-0818 in freePHPgallery
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in freePHPgallery 0.6 allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the lang cookie to (1) comment.php, (2) index.php, and (3) show.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2024
The CVE-2008-0818 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting freePHPgallery version 0.6, exposing the application to remote code execution through manipulated cookie parameters. This vulnerability specifically targets the lang cookie parameter which is processed without adequate input validation, allowing attackers to manipulate file inclusion paths through directory traversal sequences. The flaw exists across three primary script files including comment.php, index.php, and show.php, making it particularly dangerous as it affects multiple entry points within the application's file handling mechanism.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the improper sanitization of user-supplied input within the lang cookie parameter. When attackers craft malicious cookie values containing .. (dot dot) sequences, they can traverse the file system directory structure to access and include arbitrary local files on the server. This occurs because the application fails to validate or sanitize the cookie input before using it in file inclusion operations, directly violating secure coding practices and creating a path traversal condition that can be leveraged for unauthorized file access. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive server files including configuration data, database credentials, and other system files that could compromise the entire application infrastructure. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or the installation of backdoors and malware. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially escalating privileges and establishing persistent access. The vulnerability's presence in multiple files increases the attack surface and makes it more difficult to secure the application fully, as each affected script requires individual mitigation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0818 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization for all cookie parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Organizations should immediately upgrade to a patched version of freePHPgallery or implement proper parameter validation that prevents directory traversal sequences from being processed. The recommended approach includes implementing strict input validation that filters out or encodes special characters including .. sequences, and using allowlists for acceptable language parameters rather than relying on user-supplied values. Additionally, implementing proper file access controls and restricting web server permissions can limit the damage potential from successful exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, where attackers can leverage such vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary commands on compromised systems.