CVE-2008-2722 in Menalto
Summary
by MITRE
Menalto Gallery before 2.2.5 allows remote attackers to bypass permissions for sub-albums via a ZIP archive.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2722 affects Menalto Gallery versions prior to 2.2.5 and represents a critical access control flaw that permits unauthorized remote users to bypass permission restrictions for sub-albums through malicious ZIP archive manipulation. This issue stems from inadequate validation of file permissions during archive extraction processes, creating a pathway for attackers to gain access to content they should not be able to view or modify. The flaw specifically targets the gallery's handling of compressed archive files and their subsequent extraction into sub-album directories, where permission boundaries are not properly enforced. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the way the gallery application processes ZIP archives, allowing attackers to manipulate file paths and access restricted content through carefully crafted archive contents.
This security weakness directly relates to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. The vulnerability also connects to CWE-285, which addresses insufficient authorization checks, as the system fails to properly validate user permissions during archive processing operations. From an operational perspective, this flaw enables attackers to circumvent the intended access control mechanisms that protect sensitive sub-album content, potentially exposing private photographs, user-generated content, or restricted media files. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as the vulnerability may allow for privilege escalation or further exploitation of the gallery application's underlying architecture.
The operational implications of CVE-2008-2722 are significant for organizations relying on Menalto Gallery for content management and user media sharing. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access private user galleries, potentially compromising user privacy and violating data protection regulations. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system or local network presence. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1078 principle of Valid Accounts, as attackers can leverage legitimate access paths to gain unauthorized access to restricted content. The vulnerability demonstrates how archive processing functions can become attack vectors when proper input validation and access control enforcement are lacking.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Menalto Gallery version 2.2.5 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing strict file upload restrictions, validating all archive contents before processing, and enforcing proper access control checks during extraction operations. Network-level protections such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help monitor for suspicious archive processing activities. The patch addresses the core issue by implementing proper validation of file paths within ZIP archives and ensuring that permission checks are enforced regardless of how content is accessed or extracted. Security monitoring should focus on identifying unauthorized access attempts to sub-album directories and anomalous archive processing activities that may indicate exploitation attempts.