CVE-2008-3190 in CodeDB
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in list.php in 1Scripts CodeDB 1.1.1 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the lang parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3190 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the 1Scripts CodeDB 1.1.1 web application. This security weakness exists in the list.php script which processes user input through the lang parameter without adequate sanitization or validation. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms by exploiting the .. (dot dot) sequence commonly used to navigate directory structures, allowing unauthorized access to local files on the server.
This directory traversal vulnerability maps to CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, also known as path traversal or directory traversal. The flaw occurs because the application fails to properly validate user-supplied input before using it in file operations, creating an opportunity for attackers to traverse the file system hierarchy and access sensitive files that should remain protected. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows execution of arbitrary local files, potentially enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access to system resources, configuration files, or even execute malicious code on the server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the target system. This could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the installation of backdoors. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access database configuration files, application source code, system configuration files, and potentially other sensitive resources stored on the server. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly attractive to cybercriminals seeking to compromise web applications at scale.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. The primary mitigation involves input validation and sanitization, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are strictly validated against a whitelist of acceptable values before being processed. The application should implement proper path validation that prevents the use of directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e in file operations. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege for web application processes and restricting file system access for web servers can significantly reduce the impact of successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious patterns of directory traversal attempts. This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential access, as exploitation may lead to further compromise of the system. The remediation process should include immediate patching of the affected application, code review to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components, and comprehensive security testing to ensure that all input validation mechanisms are properly implemented and functioning.