CVE-2008-3164 in cms
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in blog.php in fuzzylime (cms) 3.01, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the file parameter. NOTE: it was later reported that 3.01a is also affected.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3164 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the fuzzylime content management system version 3.01 and its subsequent 3.01a release. This vulnerability exists in the blog.php component and specifically exploits the absence of proper input validation when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled on the web server. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate file parameters through directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation, creating a pathway for arbitrary local file inclusion and execution. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it directly enables attackers to access and execute local files on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input within the file parameter of the blog.php script. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, the web application fails to properly validate or escape special characters in the file parameter, allowing attackers to inject directory traversal sequences. This creates a condition where an attacker can manipulate the file inclusion mechanism to access files outside the intended directory scope, potentially reaching sensitive system files, configuration data, or other locally stored resources. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it enables remote code execution capabilities when combined with appropriate system conditions. Attackers can leverage this flaw to include and execute malicious files stored on the server, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or service disruption. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the CMS and represents a fundamental security weakness in input validation and file handling mechanisms. Given that the vulnerability affects multiple versions including the patched 3.01a release, it indicates a persistent flaw in the application's security design that was not adequately addressed in subsequent releases.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including enabling magic_quotes_gpc, implementing proper input validation and sanitization, and restricting file inclusion paths to prevent directory traversal attacks. The remediation process should involve comprehensive code review to ensure all file handling operations properly validate user input and restrict access to system resources. Security professionals should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious directory traversal patterns. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, as the ability to execute arbitrary code through file inclusion represents a common attack vector used by adversaries to establish persistent access to compromised systems. The flaw demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the dangers of relying on server configurations that disable essential security protections.