CVE-2008-2985 in CMReams
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in load_language.php in CMReams CMS 1.3.1.1 Beta 2, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via directory traversal sequences in the page_language parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2985 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the CMReams CMS 1.3.1.1 Beta 2 content management system. This security weakness specifically affects the load_language.php component and exploits a fundamental flaw in how the application processes user-supplied input parameters. The vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous when the PHP configuration setting register_globals is enabled, creating an environment where attacker-controlled variables can directly influence the application's behavior. The affected parameter, page_language, accepts directory traversal sequences that allow malicious actors to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to local system resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the load_language.php script. When register_globals is enabled, the application inadvertently exposes user-supplied parameters as global variables, enabling attackers to manipulate the file inclusion process. Directory traversal sequences such as ../../../../../etc/passwd or similar path manipulation techniques can be injected through the page_language parameter to traverse the file system hierarchy. This flaw falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a well-documented weakness in web application security. The vulnerability allows for arbitrary local file inclusion, meaning that an attacker can potentially include any file that the web application has access to, leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure. An attacker who successfully exploits this weakness can execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially gaining full administrative control over the CMS installation. The ability to include local files opens doors to various attack vectors including remote code execution, privilege escalation, and data exfiltration. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can leverage the file inclusion mechanism to execute malicious commands. The exposure of system files through directory traversal can reveal sensitive information such as database credentials, configuration files, and system user details that can be used for further attacks. Additionally, the vulnerability can be exploited to upload and execute malicious files, making it a severe threat to the overall security posture of any system running the vulnerable CMS version.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2985 require immediate action from system administrators and security teams. The most effective immediate fix involves disabling the register_globals PHP configuration setting, which eliminates the primary exploitation vector for this vulnerability. However, comprehensive remediation should include implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the load_language.php script to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. Web application firewalls can be deployed to detect and block suspicious directory traversal patterns in incoming requests. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to ensure that the CMS installation remains current with the latest security fixes. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper security configuration management and the need to avoid deprecated PHP settings that create security risks. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments and implement secure coding practices to prevent similar issues in future development cycles, particularly focusing on input validation and file inclusion security measures that align with industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.