CVE-2008-1492 in phpAddressBook
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in CoronaMatrix phpAddressBook 2.11 allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the skin parameter to (1) index.php and (2) install.php. NOTE: it was later reported that vector 1 is also present in 2.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1492 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the CoronaMatrix phpAddressBook version 2.11 web application. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation in the application's parameter handling mechanism, specifically within the skin parameter processing. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion paths by exploiting the .. (dot dot) traversal sequences, which enables them to access arbitrary local files on the server. The vulnerability affects two primary entry points: index.php and install.php, making it particularly dangerous as it targets both the core application functionality and the installation process. Security researchers later confirmed that the same vulnerability existed in version 2.0, indicating this was a persistent flaw in the application's codebase.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper sanitization of user-supplied input parameters before they are used in file inclusion operations. When the application processes the skin parameter without adequate validation, it directly incorporates the user-provided value into file path construction. This creates an opportunity for attackers to append directory traversal sequences that bypass normal file access restrictions. The exploitation mechanism leverages the fundamental weakness in how the application handles relative path references, allowing attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries. The vulnerability specifically targets the include or require functions within phpAddressBook, where the skin parameter is used to determine which template or skin files to load, making it a prime target for arbitrary code execution through file inclusion attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive system information and resources. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized file access, enabling attackers to read configuration files, database credentials, and other sensitive data stored on the server. The vulnerability also presents a pathway for remote code execution, as attackers might be able to include and execute malicious files that have been uploaded to the server or exist within the application's directory structure. The presence of this vulnerability in both the main application and installation script increases the attack surface significantly, as it could be exploited during the initial setup process or while the application is actively running. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to attackers seeking persistent access or system compromise.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The recommended approach involves implementing strict whitelisting of allowed skin parameters, ensuring that only predefined, trusted values can be processed. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version that addresses the directory traversal flaw, as the original version 2.11 and 2.0 are vulnerable to this type of attack. Security practitioners should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious traversal sequences, and conduct thorough code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and follows attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1505.003 Application Layer Protocol: Web Shell, emphasizing the importance of proper input validation and secure file handling practices in web application development.