CVE-2008-2978 in Ourvideo CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in phpi/rss.php in Ourvideo CMS 9.5, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via directory traversal sequences in the prefix parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-2978 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Ourvideo CMS 9.5 content management system. This weakness specifically affects the phpi/rss.php component and exploits a fundamental security misconfiguration that occurs when the PHP register_globals directive is enabled. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the application's parameter handling mechanisms. Attackers can manipulate the prefix parameter through directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ../../../ to navigate the file system and access arbitrary local files on the server. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution through file inclusion mechanisms when combined with the register_globals setting that automatically creates PHP variables from HTTP request data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access and can enable complete system compromise when attackers leverage the directory traversal capability. When register_globals is enabled, the application automatically creates PHP variables from GET, POST, and cookie data, which creates an environment where malicious input can be directly incorporated into the application's execution context. This configuration, combined with the lack of proper input validation in the prefix parameter, allows attackers to include local files that may contain malicious code or sensitive information such as database credentials, configuration files, or system files. The vulnerability essentially provides an attacker with a pathway to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain unauthorized access to the underlying server infrastructure. This represents a significant concern within the context of web application security and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers can leverage such vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary commands on the compromised system through the included files.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2978 require both immediate and long-term security measures to address the underlying vulnerabilities. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling the register_globals directive in the PHP configuration, as this setting fundamentally undermines security by automatically creating variables from external input. Additionally, developers should implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The application should employ absolute path validation and reject any input containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\. Implementing a whitelist approach for acceptable file paths and using secure coding practices that prevent dynamic file inclusion based on user input can significantly reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms that can detect and block suspicious directory traversal attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other components of the CMS, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure configuration practices. The remediation process should also include ensuring that all CMS components are updated to versions that address this specific vulnerability and that proper access controls are implemented to limit the impact of any potential compromise. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of following security best practices and the dangers posed by legacy configurations that enable automatic variable creation from external sources.