CVE-2008-1493 in Cuteflow Bin
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in login.php in Cuteflow Bin 1.5.0 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the language parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The CVE-2008-1493 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the Cuteflow Bin 1.5.0 web application's login.php script. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before processing them within the application's file inclusion logic. The specific weakness occurs in how the language parameter is handled, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the parameter value to traverse directory structures and access arbitrary local files on the server. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables remote attackers to craft malicious requests that manipulate the language parameter to include and execute local files on the target system. By inserting directory traversal sequences such as ..%2F or similar encoding variations, attackers can bypass normal file access controls and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive system files, configuration data, or other locally stored resources. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for arbitrary file inclusion, which can lead to remote code execution depending on the system configuration and the files that can be accessed through the traversal mechanism. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication and can be executed entirely through web-based requests, making it highly accessible to potential threat actors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and potentially compromise the entire web application server. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to read sensitive configuration files, access database connection details, or even upload and execute malicious code on the target system. The vulnerability creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited for extended periods without detection, as it operates through legitimate application functionality. Organizations using Cuteflow Bin 1.5.0 are particularly vulnerable to this type of attack, as the flaw exists within core application components that handle user authentication and language localization features.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1493 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization measures to prevent directory traversal attempts. The most effective approach involves implementing a whitelist-based system that only allows predetermined, safe language parameters rather than accepting user input directly. Additionally, developers should implement proper file access controls and ensure that the application runs with minimal required privileges to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The use of secure coding practices such as input validation, output encoding, and proper error handling can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious directory traversal patterns. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other application components, as this vulnerability represents a common class of flaws that can be found in many legacy web applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.007 for remote code execution through web shell implants, making it a significant concern for enterprise security posture management and incident response planning.