CVE-2008-1962 in Aterr
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Aterr 0.9.1 allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the (1) class parameter to include/functions.inc.php and the (2) file parameter to include/common.inc.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1962 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Aterr version 0.9.1, a content management system that was widely used in web applications during the late 2000s. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's file inclusion processes, specifically in two key files: include/functions.inc.php and include/common.inc.php. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the application's behavior by injecting malicious directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation, thereby gaining unauthorized access to the underlying file system and potentially executing arbitrary code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through improper sanitization of user-supplied input parameters. When the application processes the class parameter in include/functions.inc.php or the file parameter in include/common.inc.php, it fails to adequately validate or filter the input before using it in file inclusion operations. This creates a path traversal condition where an attacker can navigate outside the intended directory structure and access files that should remain protected. The vulnerability specifically targets the include() function calls within the php code, which are designed to incorporate external files into the application's execution context, but become dangerous when combined with unsanitized user input. According to CWE-22, this represents a classic path traversal vulnerability where the application fails to properly restrict file access through directory traversal sequences.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-1962 extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to include and execute arbitrary local files on the web server, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the server, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for web applications accessible over the internet. The vulnerability allows attackers to access sensitive files such as configuration files, database credentials, user information, and potentially system files that could provide further attack vectors. This represents a significant threat to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems, as the vulnerability could enable data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and persistent backdoor installation.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework, specifically under the T1059.007 technique for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, where directory traversal can be used to execute malicious payloads, and T1566.001 for Initial Access: Spearphishing Attachment, where attackers might exploit such vulnerabilities to deliver malicious code. The vulnerability also aligns with T1213.002 for Data from Information Repositories, as attackers could access sensitive data repositories through the directory traversal mechanism. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the Aterr application to version 0.9.2 or later, which addresses the input validation issues, implementing proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms, restricting file inclusion operations to predefined safe directories, and employing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious traversal attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and implement comprehensive access controls and file permission settings to limit potential damage from such exploits.