CVE-2008-2672 in ErfurtWiki
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in ErfurtWiki R1.02b and earlier, when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the (1) ewiki_id and (2) ewiki_action parameters to fragments/css.php, and possibly the (3) id parameter to the default URI. NOTE: the default URI is site-specific but often performs an include_once of ewiki.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2024
The CVE-2008-2672 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting ErfurtWiki versions 1.02b and earlier, exploiting a fundamental security weakness in web application input validation. This vulnerability specifically targets applications where register_globals is enabled, creating a dangerous condition where user-supplied input can manipulate PHP's global variable behavior. The flaw manifests through three distinct parameter injection points: ewiki_id and ewiki_action parameters in fragments/css.php, and the id parameter in the default URI which often includes ewiki.php. When register_globals is enabled, user input can directly influence global variables, transforming what should be sanitized input into executable code within the application's context. The vulnerability's exploitation relies on the attacker's ability to inject ../ sequences into these parameters, effectively manipulating the file inclusion mechanism to traverse directories and access arbitrary local files on the server. This represents a classic path traversal attack that bypasses normal file access controls and can lead to complete system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability operates through the fundamental PHP configuration of register_globals, which when enabled, automatically creates global variables from GET, POST, and cookie data. This creates a dangerous environment where attackers can manipulate the application's behavior by injecting malicious paths through parameter values. The specific targets of exploitation include the css.php fragment handler and the default URI processing which typically includes ewiki.php, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can affect core application functionality. The directory traversal occurs because the application fails to properly sanitize or validate input parameters before using them in file inclusion operations, allowing attackers to construct paths that escape the intended directory boundaries. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses directory traversal and path traversal flaws in software applications. The attack vector demonstrates how improper input validation combined with dangerous PHP configurations can create a pathway for arbitrary code execution and unauthorized file access.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-2672 extends far beyond simple data exposure, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected server. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to read sensitive files including configuration data, user credentials, and application source code. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution makes it particularly dangerous in web environments where the application has elevated privileges and can access system resources. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects not just the web application itself but potentially the entire server environment, as the attacker can include any local file that the web server process has access to. This type of vulnerability is categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as part of the privilege escalation and persistence techniques, specifically targeting the execution of arbitrary code through web application vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2672 require immediate attention to both application-level and server-level configurations. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling register_globals in the PHP configuration, which eliminates the primary condition enabling this vulnerability. Additionally, developers should implement strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The application should employ absolute path validation and implement proper file access controls that prevent traversal beyond intended directories. Web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms should be deployed to detect and block suspicious directory traversal sequences. Organizations should also consider implementing proper access controls and privilege separation, ensuring that the web server process runs with minimal required permissions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and avoiding dangerous PHP configurations that can create security vulnerabilities. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications, as this vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly simple configuration issues can create critical security risks that affect entire web applications and their underlying infrastructure.