CVE-2008-1857 in Make our Life Easy
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in viewsource.php in Make our Life Easy (Mole) 2.1.0 allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files via directory traversal sequences in the (1) dirn and (2) fname parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1857 affects the Make our Life Easy (Mole) content management system version 2.1.0, specifically targeting the viewsource.php script. This directory traversal flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server by manipulating input parameters. The vulnerability manifests through two distinct attack vectors, allowing exploitation via the dirn and fname parameters, which are processed without proper input validation or sanitization. The affected system operates under the assumption that user-supplied input can be trusted, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to navigate beyond intended file access boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the viewsource.php script where directory traversal sequences are directly incorporated into file system operations. When attackers provide malicious input containing sequences such as ../ or ..\ in either the dirn or fname parameters, the application fails to properly sanitize these inputs before using them in file access operations. This allows attackers to traverse the file system hierarchy and access files that should remain restricted, potentially including system configuration files, database credentials, or other sensitive data. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. These attacks exploit the fundamental principle that applications should never trust user input and must always validate and sanitize all external data before processing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive system information that could facilitate further exploitation. An attacker could potentially retrieve configuration files containing database credentials, application secrets, or other confidential information that could be used for privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of the system, as unauthorized access to files could lead to data breaches or system compromise. Given that this vulnerability exists in a content management system, it could also potentially allow attackers to access user data, application source code, or other sensitive information that might reveal additional attack surfaces. The impact is particularly concerning as it allows remote exploitation without requiring authentication, making it a high-severity vulnerability that could be easily exploited by automated scanning tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1857 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within the affected application. The most effective approach involves implementing strict input validation that rejects or removes directory traversal sequences from user-supplied parameters before they are processed. This can be achieved through the implementation of allowlists that only permit known-safe characters and patterns in file paths, or through the use of secure file access functions that prevent path traversal attacks. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and privilege separation to ensure that even if an attacker gains access to files, they cannot access sensitive system resources. The remediation process should include updating the Mole CMS to a patched version that addresses this vulnerability, as well as implementing security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as those recommended by the OWASP Top Ten and the MITRE ATT&CK framework, which emphasize the need for proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in application design.