CVE-2008-2913 in Devalcms
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in func.php in Devalcms 1.4a, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the currentpath parameter, in conjunction with certain ... (triple dot) and ..... sequences in the currentfile parameter, to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-2913 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Devalcms 1.4a content management system. This issue specifically affects the func.php script which handles file inclusion operations, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters that control file access operations. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled on the web server, the system becomes particularly susceptible to malicious input manipulation. The attack vector involves exploiting the currentpath parameter through .. (dot dot) sequences combined with specific ... (triple dot) and ..... (five dot) patterns in the currentfile parameter, ultimately targeting the index.php endpoint. This combination allows attackers to bypass normal file access restrictions and navigate to arbitrary locations within the file system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental weakness in path traversal validation mechanisms. The func.php script fails to properly sanitize or validate the currentpath parameter, which is used to determine the directory context for file operations. When attackers supply .. sequences in the currentpath parameter, they can move up directory levels in the file system hierarchy. The addition of triple and quintuple dot sequences in the currentfile parameter serves to manipulate the final file path construction, effectively bypassing directory restriction checks. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of insufficient input validation where the application directly incorporates user-controllable data into file system operations without proper sanitization or authorization checks.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to systems running Devalcms 1.4a with magic_quotes_gpc disabled. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, access sensitive files, and potentially escalate privileges. The vulnerability enables attackers to read system files, including configuration files that may contain database credentials, application secrets, or other sensitive information. Additionally, the ability to include and execute local files opens pathways for persistent backdoor installation, data exfiltration, and further network reconnaissance activities. The attack can be executed remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and script injection, and T1566, which addresses spearphishing with links, as attackers can leverage this flaw to deliver malicious payloads through web-based attack vectors.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability involve multiple layers of defense to address both the immediate flaw and broader security practices. The primary fix requires implementing proper input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file system operations. The application should normalize and validate all path components to prevent directory traversal attempts, using techniques such as absolute path resolution and strict whitelist validation of allowed directories. Organizations should ensure that magic_quotes_gpc is properly configured or implement alternative input sanitization mechanisms, as this setting serves as a crucial defense-in-depth measure. Additionally, implementing proper file access controls and privilege separation ensures that even if path traversal occurs, the attacker cannot access sensitive system files. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components, while maintaining up-to-date system patches and security configurations. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, particularly focusing on input validation, privilege separation, and secure file handling procedures to prevent similar issues in future software development.