CVE-2008-1042 in php Download Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in include/body.inc.php in Linux Web Shop (LWS) php Download Manager 1.0 and 1.1 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the content parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1042 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Linux Web Shop php Download Manager version 1.0 and 1.1. This security weakness resides in the include/body.inc.php file where the application fails to properly validate user input before processing file inclusion requests. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the content parameter receives input containing .. (dot dot) sequences that manipulate the file path resolution mechanism. This flaw enables remote attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially execute arbitrary local files on the server, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors seeking unauthorized system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes directory traversal attacks as a common weakness in web applications. The flaw occurs because the application directly incorporates user-supplied input into file inclusion operations without adequate sanitization or validation. When an attacker crafts a malicious payload containing sequences like ../../etc/passwd or similar path manipulation attempts, the php Download Manager processes these inputs without proper boundary checking, allowing the application to traverse directories beyond its intended scope. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of input validation and access control enforcement that are essential for preventing unauthorized file access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file disclosure, as it can potentially enable full system compromise through arbitrary code execution. Attackers can leverage this weakness to access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially execute malicious code within the application context. The vulnerability affects versions 1.0 and 1.1 of the Linux Web Shop php Download Manager, making it particularly concerning for organizations that have not updated their installations. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require local system access, making it accessible to any attacker with network connectivity to the vulnerable application.
Security mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of the Linux Web Shop php Download Manager or implement web application firewall rules that block suspicious path traversal sequences. The implementation of proper access control lists and file permission settings can further reduce the impact of such vulnerabilities. Additionally, developers should adopt secure coding practices that prevent direct user input from being used in file inclusion operations, instead implementing whitelisting mechanisms or proper path normalization techniques. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following the principle of least privilege and implementing robust input validation as fundamental security controls within web applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute system commands through manipulated file inclusion operations, making it a significant concern for enterprise security posture management.