CVE-2008-1651 in EasyNews
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in admin/login.php in EasyNews 4.0 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the lang parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-1651 represents a classic directory traversal flaw that affects the EasyNews 4.0 content management system. This issue specifically targets the admin/login.php component where user input is not properly sanitized before being used in file inclusion operations. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker manipulates the lang parameter to include directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation, which allows them to navigate outside the intended directory structure 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 occurs when the application processes user-supplied input without adequate validation or sanitization mechanisms. In the case of EasyNews 4.0, the lang parameter in the admin/login.php script receives input that directly influences file inclusion operations, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the file path. When a malicious user submits a request containing .. sequences in the lang parameter, the application fails to properly validate these inputs, allowing the traversal to occur and potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive system files, configuration data, or even execution of arbitrary code depending on the server configuration and file permissions. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and gain unauthorized access to the system's file structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary file inclusion attacks against the targeted system. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to administrative functions, exposure of sensitive configuration files, and potential privilege escalation within the system. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to access database connection strings, user credentials stored in configuration files, or other sensitive data that might be accessible through the file system. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, where adversaries can execute malicious code through file inclusion mechanisms. Additionally, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in system design.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1651 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application. The primary defense involves ensuring that all user-supplied input is properly validated before being used in file operations, particularly in the context of file inclusion functions. Implementing a whitelist approach for acceptable language parameters and rejecting any input containing directory traversal sequences would effectively prevent exploitation. The system should also enforce proper file access controls and ensure that the application runs with minimal required privileges. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application, particularly in areas where dynamic file inclusion occurs. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection against such attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing proper logging and monitoring to detect suspicious file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical need for secure coding practices and adherence to security best practices in web application development, particularly in handling user input and file operations.