CVE-2008-2895 in AproxEngine
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in AproxEngine 5.1.0.4 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the page parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2895 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the AproxEngine content management system version 5.1.0.4. This security weakness resides in the index.php script and enables remote attackers to exploit a path traversal mechanism through manipulation of the page parameter. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data from accessing arbitrary file paths on the affected system. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes the page parameter without sufficient filtering to prevent directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) which can navigate upward through the file system hierarchy.
From a technical perspective, this directory traversal vulnerability operates by allowing an attacker to manipulate the page parameter to include sequences that traverse directories beyond the intended scope of the application. When the application processes these malicious inputs, it fails to validate or sanitize the path components, enabling the execution of arbitrary local file inclusion attacks. The 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. This weakness allows attackers to access files that should normally be restricted, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, system compromise, or complete system takeover depending on the privileges of the affected application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly beyond simple data exposure. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to full system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local access or credentials to initiate the attack, making it particularly dangerous in web-facing applications. Attackers can use this vulnerability to access configuration files, database credentials, user information, and potentially gain shell access to the underlying operating system. The implications are severe as this flaw could enable attackers to escalate privileges, establish persistent backdoors, or conduct further reconnaissance within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2895 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary solution involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Security practitioners should employ absolute path validation techniques that reject any input containing directory traversal sequences or special path characters. The application should validate that all file access operations occur within predefined safe directories and reject any attempts to access parent directories. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation can significantly reduce the impact of successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious parameter patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in application design, as outlined in various security frameworks including the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Regular security assessments and code reviews are essential to identify similar vulnerabilities in legacy systems and ensure comprehensive protection against path traversal attacks.