CVE-2008-2969 in Academic Web Tools
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in download.php in Academic Web Tools (AWT YEKTA) 1.4.3.1, and 1.4.2.8 and earlier, allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the dfile parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2969 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Academic Web Tools (AWT YEKTA) software suite, specifically affecting versions 1.4.3.1 and 1.4.2.8 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the download.php component of the application, which processes file download requests from users. The flaw enables malicious actors to access files outside the intended directory structure by manipulating the dfile parameter through directory traversal sequences. The 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 attacks. These attacks exploit insufficient input validation to bypass access controls and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize user input passed through the dfile parameter in the download.php script. When an attacker submits a request containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, the application processes these sequences without adequate validation, allowing the attacker to navigate to arbitrary directories on the server filesystem. This occurs because the application does not properly validate or sanitize the input before using it to construct file paths for download operations. The vulnerability specifically targets the file handling mechanisms within the application's download functionality, where user-supplied data directly influences the file path resolution process. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers can leverage this weakness to discover and access sensitive files on the server, potentially leading to further exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-2969 is severe and multifaceted, as it can potentially allow attackers to access sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential data stored on the server. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to retrieve system configuration files that might contain database connection strings, API keys, or other sensitive information that could be used for further attacks. The vulnerability also poses risks to the integrity of the application and the underlying system, as unauthorized file access could enable attackers to modify or delete critical system files. Organizations running affected versions of AWT YEKTA could face significant security breaches, data exposure, and potential system compromise. The impact extends beyond immediate data theft to include potential denial of service conditions and the possibility of establishing persistent access to the compromised system. This vulnerability particularly affects educational institutions and academic environments where AWT YEKTA is deployed, as these systems often contain sensitive student, faculty, and administrative data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2969 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within the download.php script. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of AWT YEKTA where available, as the vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases. Implementing proper parameter validation that filters out directory traversal sequences such as .. or \ is essential for preventing exploitation. The application should employ a whitelist approach for acceptable file paths, ensuring that only pre-approved directories and files can be accessed through the download functionality. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and file permissions can help limit the damage if an attacker successfully exploits the vulnerability. Security measures should include input validation at multiple layers, including application-level filtering, web application firewall rules, and system-level file access controls. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities and implement comprehensive security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and proper access control implementation in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive data in educational and academic environments.