CVE-2008-2534 in Phoenix View CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in admin/admin_frame.php in Phoenix View CMS Pre Alpha2 and earlier allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the ltarget parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-2534 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Phoenix View Content Management System version pre-alpha2 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically affects the admin/admin_frame.php component of the CMS, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the system through manipulated input parameters. The flaw manifests when the ltarget parameter receives input containing .. (dot dot) sequences that manipulate the file inclusion mechanism. Such directory traversal vulnerabilities fall under the category of CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a fundamental weakness in access control mechanisms. The vulnerability enables attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access arbitrary local files on the server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the ltarget parameter in the admin/admin_frame.php script. When an attacker submits a crafted request containing directory traversal sequences such as ../../ or ../../../ in the ltarget parameter, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before using it in file inclusion operations. This allows the attacker to specify paths that extend beyond the intended administrative interface directories, potentially accessing sensitive files such as configuration files, database credentials, or other system files that should remain protected. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables arbitrary code execution through file inclusion attacks, which can lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted for organizations using affected versions of Phoenix View CMS. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to the server's file system, potentially leading to data breaches, system infiltration, and complete compromise of the web application environment. The vulnerability affects the administrative interface of the CMS, which typically contains sensitive operational data and configuration settings that could be exploited for further attacks. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers can use the file inclusion capabilities to execute malicious code through compromised administrative interfaces. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, data loss, and reputational damage if this vulnerability is exploited in production environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the affected Phoenix View CMS versions to address the directory traversal flaw in admin_frame.php. System administrators should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious traversal sequences from being processed by the application. The implementation of proper access controls and file inclusion restrictions can help prevent unauthorized file access patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious traversal attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for preventing directory traversal attacks. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the web application infrastructure, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar exploitation vectors.