CVE-2008-2898 in Hedgehog-CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in includes/header.php in Hedgehog-CMS 1.21 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the c_temp_path parameter. NOTE: in some environments, this can be leveraged for remote file inclusion by using a UNC share pathname or an ftp, ftps, or ssh2.sftp URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2025
The CVE-2008-2898 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in Hedgehog-CMS version 1.21 that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through manipulation of the c_temp_path parameter in the includes/header.php file. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a fundamental security weakness in input validation and file access controls. The flaw stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input that directly influences file system operations, allowing attackers to traverse directory structures beyond intended boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious request containing directory traversal sequences such as .. or similar path manipulation techniques within the c_temp_path parameter. When the vulnerable application processes this parameter without proper validation, it allows the attacker to specify arbitrary local file paths that can lead to inclusion and execution of unauthorized files. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple local file inclusion as it can be leveraged in environments where UNC shares or network protocols are supported, enabling attackers to use protocols like ftp, ftps, or ssh2.sftp to access remote files through the directory traversal mechanism.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to web applications using Hedgehog-CMS 1.21 as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive system resources and file systems. The exploitation chain typically involves identifying the vulnerable parameter, crafting appropriate traversal sequences, and then either executing system commands directly or uploading malicious code that gets executed through the file inclusion mechanism. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of malicious code through file inclusion attacks.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it can be exploited without requiring authentication, making it a significant threat to publicly accessible web applications. The ability to leverage network protocols like ftp or sftp through UNC paths expands the exploitation capabilities beyond traditional local file system access, potentially allowing attackers to access files on remote systems or bypass local security controls. Organizations using affected versions of Hedgehog-CMS should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, parameter sanitization, and restricting file inclusion paths to prevent exploitation.
Effective mitigation strategies include implementing strict input validation on all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file operations, and employing a whitelist approach for file path validation rather than attempting to filter out dangerous characters. Organizations should also consider implementing proper access controls and privilege separation to limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in preventing directory traversal attacks, which remain a persistent threat in web application security and are commonly addressed through security frameworks like OWASP Top 10 and NIST Cybersecurity Framework guidelines.