CVE-2008-2215 in Project-based Calendaring System
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Project-Based Calendaring System (PBCS) 0.7.1-1 allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the filename parameter to (1) src/yopy_sync.php and (2) system-logger/print_logs.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The CVE-2008-2215 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting the Project-Based Calendaring System version 0.7.1-1, which exposes the application to remote code execution and sensitive data disclosure risks. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within two specific script endpoints, namely src/yopy_sync.php and system-logger/print_logs.php, where the filename parameter fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data containing directory traversal sequences. The flaw allows malicious actors to manipulate file access paths by injecting .. (dot dot) sequences into the filename parameter, effectively bypassing intended access controls and enabling unauthorized file system navigation.
The technical implementation of this 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 insufficient input validation to access files and directories outside the intended scope of the application, often resulting in exposure of sensitive system information, configuration files, or even system-level resources. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it affects core system components that handle calendar data synchronization and system logging operations, potentially compromising both operational data and underlying system integrity.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations utilizing the PBCS platform, as remote attackers can exploit the flaw to access arbitrary files on the server hosting the application. The affected endpoints suggest that the vulnerability could enable attackers to retrieve sensitive information from the system logger, potentially exposing system logs, user credentials, or other confidential data. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web-hosted applications. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would fall under T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, as attackers could systematically explore the file system to identify and extract sensitive information.
The remediation approach for CVE-2008-2215 requires immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization measures within the affected script endpoints. Developers should implement strict parameter validation that rejects or filters out directory traversal sequences before processing user input, particularly when handling file operations. The solution must ensure that all file paths are resolved within predetermined safe directories, preventing access to parent directories through manipulation of filename parameters. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles for file system operations will significantly reduce the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting these specific paths, while regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in preventing path traversal attacks and underscores the necessity of following secure coding practices throughout the software development lifecycle to mitigate such risks effectively.