CVE-2008-1849 in Joomlaexplorer
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in the joomlaXplorer (com_joomlaxplorer) Mambo/Joomla! component 1.6.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to list arbitrary directories via a .. (dot dot) in the dir parameter in a show_error action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1849 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the joomlaXplorer component version 1.6.2 and earlier, which is part of the Mambo/Joomla! web application framework. This component provides file management capabilities through a web interface, allowing users to navigate and manipulate files on the server. The flaw exists in the index.php script where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input passed through the dir parameter during a show_error action. This oversight creates a pathway for malicious actors to bypass normal directory access controls and potentially access sensitive files or directories that should remain restricted.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the dir parameter using directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) which are standard techniques for navigating file system paths. When an attacker submits a crafted request containing these traversal sequences, the application processes them without adequate validation, allowing the attacker to traverse upward through the directory structure and access files outside the intended web root or designated directories. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal or Directory Traversal. The weakness specifically manifests in the lack of proper input sanitization and path validation mechanisms within the component's file handling routines.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for Joomla! sites utilizing the affected joomlaXplorer component, as it can potentially expose sensitive system information, configuration files, database credentials, and other confidential data that may be stored within the server's file system. Attackers could leverage this flaw to enumerate directory structures, access restricted files, and potentially gain unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where the web application has elevated privileges or where sensitive files are stored in predictable locations relative to the web root. This weakness can enable further exploitation attempts such as arbitrary code execution or privilege escalation depending on the server configuration and file permissions. The vulnerability affects the availability, confidentiality, and integrity of the affected web application and potentially the entire server infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrading to a patched version of the joomlaXplorer component, which would contain proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should implement proper access controls and file system permissions to limit the impact of potential traversal attempts, ensuring that web applications run with minimal required privileges. Input validation should be enforced at multiple layers including application-level filtering of directory traversal sequences, implementation of proper path normalization routines, and regular security auditing of web applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1083 - File and Directory Discovery as part of the reconnaissance phase, while T1566 - Phishing with Social Engineering and T1213 - Data from Information Repositories may represent subsequent exploitation phases. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar weaknesses in other components and ensure that all web applications maintain current security patches and proper input validation mechanisms to prevent such directory traversal attacks.