CVE-2008-2982 in HomePH Design
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in HomePH Design 2.10 RC2, when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via directory traversal sequences in the (1) thumb_template parameter to (a) admin/templates/template_thumbnail.php, and the (2) language parameter to (b) account/account.php, (c) downloads/downloads.php, (d) forum/forum.php, (e) fotogalerie/delete.php, and (f) fotogalerie/fotogalerie.php in admin/features/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2982 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting HomePH Design 2.10 RC2 applications. This issue manifests when the PHP configuration parameter register_globals is enabled, creating a dangerous condition where user-supplied input can manipulate the application's internal file handling mechanisms. The vulnerability operates through multiple attack vectors, specifically targeting parameter inputs in various administrative and user-facing scripts, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that fail to properly validate and sanitize user input before processing.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through directory traversal sequences that allow attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms within the application's codebase. In the case of the thumb_template parameter within admin/templates/template_thumbnail.php, attackers can craft malicious input sequences that bypass normal file access controls and execute arbitrary local files on the server. Similarly, the language parameter across multiple scripts including account/account.php, downloads/downloads.php, forum/forum.php, and fotogalerie/delete.php and fotogalerie/fotogalerie.php in admin/features/ presents identical risks, enabling attackers to include and execute local files through carefully constructed traversal sequences.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected server. This represents a severe privilege escalation risk that could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or service disruption. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the dangerous combination of register_globals being enabled and insufficient input validation, creating a direct path for attackers to bypass normal security controls and gain unauthorized access to the file system. The affected applications become vulnerable to remote code execution through simple HTTP requests that manipulate the traversal parameters.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization techniques throughout the application codebase. The most critical remediation involves disabling the register_globals PHP configuration setting, as this parameter is inherently dangerous and should never be enabled in production environments. Additionally, all user-supplied input must be rigorously validated and sanitized before being processed by any file inclusion mechanisms. The application should implement strict path validation that prevents traversal sequences from being processed, ensuring that only legitimate file paths are accepted. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 directory traversal and CWE-94 code injection categories, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in software design. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms as additional defensive measures to prevent exploitation attempts.
The attack surface for this vulnerability spans across multiple administrative and user-facing components of the HomePH Design application, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that maintain these legacy systems. The vulnerability demonstrates how improper input handling combined with dangerous PHP configuration settings can create pathways for complete system compromise. This flaw represents a classic example of how legacy applications often contain security vulnerabilities that can be exploited through well-known attack patterns, emphasizing the importance of regular security assessments and proper input validation practices. The vulnerability also highlights the risks associated with maintaining outdated software versions that may not receive security updates or patches.