CVE-2008-2353 in Gnugallery
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in admin.php in GNU/Gallery 1.1.1.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the show parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2353 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the GNU Gallery content management system version 1.1.1.0 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the admin.php script which fails to properly validate user input parameters, specifically the show parameter that controls which administrative modules are displayed. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate file paths through directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation, allowing them to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary local files on the server. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for malicious actors seeking to compromise web applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious request to the admin.php endpoint with a show parameter containing directory traversal sequences such as ../../etc/passwd or similar system files. The application fails to sanitize or validate this input, allowing the malicious path to be processed directly by the file inclusion mechanism. When the application attempts to include and execute the specified file, it processes the traversal sequences and accesses files that should normally be restricted to authorized users only. This can lead to exposure of sensitive system files, configuration data, or even enable arbitrary code execution depending on the server configuration and file permissions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially escalate privileges by accessing administrative functions that should be protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access database configuration files, user credential storage, application source code, and system configuration files that contain sensitive information. The vulnerability can also facilitate further attacks by providing attackers with insights into the system architecture and potentially exposing other weaknesses in the application or server environment. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability corresponds to techniques such as T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachment) when used as part of broader attack campaigns, as well as T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) when combined with successful file execution capabilities. The vulnerability affects organizations running vulnerable versions of GNU Gallery, particularly those with exposed administrative interfaces that are accessible from external networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2353 should focus on immediate patching of the affected GNU Gallery installations to versions that properly validate and sanitize user input parameters. Organizations should implement strict input validation mechanisms that filter out directory traversal sequences and other potentially malicious input patterns before processing. The recommended approach includes implementing whitelisting of allowed parameters, using secure file inclusion functions that prevent path traversal, and ensuring proper access controls are in place to limit administrative functionality to authorized users only. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block requests containing suspicious path traversal sequences. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems within their environment, as this vulnerability type remains prevalent in many legacy web applications and can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch or mitigation does not introduce regressions in legitimate functionality while maintaining the security of the application.