CVE-2008-2976 in Tinx Cms
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in TinX/cms 1.1, when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via directory traversal sequences in the (1) language parameter to (a) include_me.php, (b) admin/ajax.php, and (c) admin/objects/catalog.ajaxhandler.php; and the (2) prefix parameter to (d) admin/inc/config.php.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-2976 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting TinX/cms version 1.1 that leverages the dangerous combination of register_globals being enabled and improper input validation. This vulnerability exists within a content management system that fails to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before incorporating them into file inclusion operations. The flaw specifically targets four distinct entry points within the application's codebase, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can exploit multiple vectors to achieve arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to validate and sanitize the language and prefix parameters in the affected files. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from request data, which creates an environment where user input can directly influence the application's behavior. The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that bypass normal file access controls and enable access to arbitrary local files on the server. This occurs because the application directly incorporates user-supplied input into file inclusion functions without proper sanitization or validation, creating a classic path traversal attack vector that maps to CWE-22.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the web server process. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to include and execute malicious files stored on the server, potentially gaining full control over the web application and underlying system. The attack surface is expanded by the fact that multiple files are affected, including administrative interfaces and configuration files, which means an attacker could potentially access sensitive administrative functions or extract configuration data containing database credentials. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for "Server Software Component" and T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter" as it enables remote code execution through manipulated file inclusion operations.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal prerequisites beyond having access to the target web application and the ability to manipulate HTTP requests to include directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it does not require authentication to exploit, making it a low-hanging fruit for attackers targeting web applications. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors within the compromised system. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling register_globals in php.ini, implementing proper input validation and sanitization, and applying security patches from the vendor or migrating to more secure alternatives. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and avoiding the use of dangerous functions like include() and require() with unsanitized user input.