CVE-2008-2350 in bcoos
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in highlight.php in bcoos 1.0.9 through 1.0.13 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via (1) .. (dot dot) or (2) C: folder sequences in the file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2350 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the highlight.php script of bcoos content management system versions 1.0.9 through 1.0.13. This directory traversal vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the file parameter processing logic, allowing malicious actors to access arbitrary files on the affected system. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input passed through the file parameter, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate file paths and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through two primary methods that leverage path traversal sequences. The first method utilizes the standard .. (dot dot) sequences that are commonly used to navigate up directory levels in file systems, while the second approach employs C: folder sequences that specifically target windows-based file system navigation. Both attack vectors exploit the same fundamental flaw in input validation where the application does not properly sanitize or restrict user input before using it to construct file paths. This allows attackers to bypass normal file access controls and potentially read configuration files, source code, database files, or other sensitive data that should remain protected from external access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access potentially sensitive system resources that could contain credentials, configuration details, or application source code. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to database connection strings, administrator credentials stored in configuration files, or even the complete source code of the vulnerable application. This information could then be used to escalate privileges, conduct further attacks against the system, or exploit additional vulnerabilities within the application or underlying infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in web environments where the application may have access to sensitive data and system resources that should remain isolated from unauthorized users.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The attack pattern aligns with techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1083 technique for discovering system information, and the T1566 technique for developing capabilities that could be used for privilege escalation. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent the use of directory traversal sequences in file parameter inputs. The most effective mitigation strategies include implementing proper input validation that rejects or removes dangerous characters and sequences, employing secure coding practices that validate file paths against a whitelist of allowed directories, and ensuring that the application runs with minimal necessary privileges to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.