CVE-2008-2896 in FireAnt
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in FireAnt 1.3 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-2008-2896 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the FireAnt 1.3 content management system, specifically affecting the index.php file. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied parameters before processing them within the application's file inclusion logic. The flaw manifests when the application accepts a page parameter that contains directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) which allows attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary local files on the server filesystem.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the page parameter in the index.php script, where the application directly incorporates user input into file inclusion operations without proper sanitization. When an attacker submits a crafted payload containing directory traversal sequences, the application processes these sequences and attempts to include local files from unauthorized locations. This creates a pathway for remote code execution or information disclosure, depending on the specific files that can be accessed through the traversal mechanism. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential full system compromise. An attacker could leverage this flaw to access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other critical system files that should remain protected from unauthorized access. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the server or prior authentication. This vulnerability enables attackers to potentially escalate privileges, gain persistent access to the system, or use the compromised application as a foothold for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that FireAnt 1.3 was a widely deployed content management system, meaning many organizations were potentially exposed to this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2896 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed by the application. Organizations should immediately apply patches or updates provided by the FireAnt developers to address this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper parameter validation that filters out or escapes directory traversal sequences such as .. and / is essential. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit potential damage from successful exploitation. The implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for phishing, as exploitation often occurs through web-based attack vectors that can lead to broader system compromise. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and ensure proper input validation practices are maintained across all system components.