CVE-2008-1730 in Gallery Script Lite
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in download.html in ARWScripts Gallery Script Lite (aka gallery-script-lite or Free Photo Gallery Site Script), as of 20080411, allows remote attackers to read arbitrary local files via directory traversal sequences in the path parameter.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1730 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the ARWScripts Gallery Script Lite photo gallery system, specifically affecting the download.html component. This issue emerged in the context of web applications that handle file downloads and user requests, where proper input validation and access control mechanisms were insufficiently implemented. The vulnerability was discovered in the version dated 20080411, indicating it was present in a widely distributed photo gallery script that many web administrators used to host their image collections online. The flaw allows malicious actors to exploit weaknesses in the path parameter handling, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive data stored on the server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input within the download.html script. When users provide file paths through the path parameter, the application fails to properly validate or filter these inputs before processing them. This allows attackers to manipulate the path parameter using directory traversal sequences such as "../" or "..\..\" to navigate through the file system hierarchy and access files outside the intended download directory. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This weakness enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve unauthorized files from the server's file system, including configuration files, database credentials, or other sensitive information that should remain protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it provides attackers with potential entry points for more sophisticated attacks within the compromised environment. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the deployment of additional malicious payloads. The vulnerability affects any web server running the affected gallery script version, making it particularly dangerous in shared hosting environments where multiple users might be running vulnerable applications. From an adversarial perspective, this flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which focuses on discovering system information through directory traversal methods, and T1566, which involves the initial access phase where attackers seek to exploit vulnerable applications. The implications are significant for organizations that rely on such gallery scripts for hosting user-generated content, as they may unknowingly expose sensitive server resources to unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those related to file paths and access controls. Web application developers should enforce strict path validation that ensures all file access operations remain within designated directories and reject any attempts to traverse beyond these boundaries. Additionally, the affected gallery script should be updated to the latest available version where this vulnerability has been patched, as the vendor likely released a security update addressing this specific issue. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and file permissions that limit what files can be accessed through the web application, ensuring that sensitive system files are not accessible via the gallery interface. Security monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect and alert on suspicious path traversal attempts, while regular security audits and penetration testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications within the organization's infrastructure.