CVE-2008-1908 in cpCommerce
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in cpCommerce 1.1.0 allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in (1) the language parameter in a language action to the default URI, which is not properly handled in actions/language.act.php, or (2) the action parameter to category.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-1908 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting cpCommerce version 1.1.0, a web-based e-commerce platform that was widely used in enterprise environments during the late 2000s. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the application's core file handling mechanisms, specifically targeting the language and action parameters that control the application's behavior. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the application's file inclusion logic by exploiting the .. (dot dot) traversal sequences, which are fundamental to Unix and Windows file system navigation. Such vulnerabilities fall under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack vectors leverage the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file system operations, creating opportunities for unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through two distinct attack vectors within the cpCommerce application. The first vector targets the language parameter within the default URI, specifically in the actions/language.act.php file where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the language parameter value. When an attacker supplies a malicious path traversal sequence such as ../../etc/passwd or similar system files, the application processes these inputs without adequate validation, leading to unintended file inclusion. The second vector operates through the action parameter in category.php, where similar input validation failures allow attackers to manipulate the application's navigation logic. Both attack vectors exploit the fundamental weakness in input sanitization where the application directly incorporates user-supplied parameters into file system operations without proper security checks. This vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which describes the use of command and scripting interpreter for execution, as attackers can leverage these traversal sequences to access and potentially execute arbitrary local files on the target system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to access sensitive system files, configuration data, database credentials, and potentially gain full system compromise. The vulnerability affects the application's integrity and confidentiality, as unauthorized users can access files that should remain protected within the application's restricted directories. Organizations running cpCommerce 1.1.0 were particularly vulnerable because the application's architecture did not implement proper input validation or secure file handling mechanisms, making it susceptible to various forms of malicious file inclusion attacks. The attack surface is broadened by the fact that these vulnerabilities exist in core application functionality that handles user interactions, making them difficult to detect and mitigate without comprehensive security patching. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing secure coding practices, particularly around input validation and file system operations, as outlined in industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and the ISO 27001 security framework.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1908 require immediate patching of the cpCommerce application to version 1.1.1 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization at all entry points where user-supplied data is processed, particularly for parameters that influence file system operations. The implementation of a whitelist-based approach for language and action parameters, combined with absolute path validation and proper file access controls, provides effective protection against similar vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can serve as additional layers of defense, though they should not replace proper application-level fixes. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious path traversal patterns in web application logs, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in legacy applications. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing proper security controls such as the principle of least privilege, where applications operate with minimal required permissions to reduce potential impact of successful attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect such path traversal patterns in web applications and provide early warning of potential security issues.