CVE-2008-2483 in Xomol
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in Xomol CMS 1.20071213 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the op parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2483 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Xomol CMS version 1.20071213, specifically affecting the index.php script. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before processing them within the application's file inclusion logic. The flaw manifests when the op parameter contains directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) characters, which allows malicious actors to manipulate the file path resolution process and access arbitrary local files on the server filesystem. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a well-documented weakness in web application security that enables attackers to bypass access controls and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the op parameter in the index.php script, where the application directly incorporates user input into file inclusion operations without adequate sanitization or validation. When an attacker submits a crafted request containing directory traversal sequences, the CMS fails to properly validate or sanitize these inputs, allowing the attacker to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access files that should remain protected. This type of vulnerability enables attackers to potentially read system configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other sensitive information stored on the server. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure to include potential remote code execution if the application includes files that contain executable code or if the attacker can upload malicious files through other vulnerabilities.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations utilizing the affected Xomol CMS version, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform unauthorized file access and potentially execute arbitrary code on the target system. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to leverage the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this vulnerability can be combined with other techniques to escalate privileges or gain deeper system access. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 - File and Directory Discovery and potentially T1566 - Phishing for Information, as attackers can use the directory traversal to gather intelligence about the system and its configuration. The vulnerability also aligns with T1213 - Data from Information Repositories, as it allows unauthorized access to repository data that should be protected.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application code. The most effective immediate solution involves modifying the index.php script to validate and sanitize all user-supplied input, particularly the op parameter, by implementing strict whitelisting of allowed values or by using secure file inclusion functions that prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and privilege separation to limit the damage that could occur even if the vulnerability is exploited. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to ensure that all known vulnerabilities are addressed, and application developers should adopt secure coding practices that include input validation, output encoding, and proper error handling. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of adhering to secure coding standards and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in web applications.