CVE-2008-3205 in Wysi Wiki Wyg
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in Easy-Script Wysi Wiki Wyg 1.0 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the c parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3205 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Easy-Script Wysi Wiki Wyg 1.0 web application. This security weakness resides in the index.php file and specifically affects the handling of user input through the c parameter. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to manipulate file access paths by utilizing directory traversal sequences, specifically the .. (dot dot) notation that is commonly used to navigate up directory levels in file systems. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, also known as path traversal or directory traversal.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input that is passed to the c parameter in the index.php script. When an attacker crafts a malicious request containing directory traversal sequences such as ../../etc/passwd or ../../../windows/system32/drivers/etc/hosts, the application processes these sequences without adequate input validation, allowing unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory structure. This flaw essentially bypasses the application's access controls and can lead to exposure of sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially confidential user information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access critical system resources that should remain protected. An attacker could potentially retrieve database configuration files containing database credentials, application configuration files with sensitive settings, or even system files that could aid in further exploitation. The remote nature of this attack means that an attacker does not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access through path traversal methods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3205 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application code. The most effective approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that filters out or rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences such as .., %2e%2e, or similar encoded variations. Additionally, developers should implement proper access controls and ensure that the application operates within a restricted directory structure where user input cannot navigate beyond predetermined boundaries. The implementation of a whitelist-based approach for acceptable file parameters or the use of secure file access libraries that prevent path traversal attacks would significantly reduce the risk. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious directory traversal attempts. Regular security audits and code reviews focusing on input validation practices are essential for preventing similar vulnerabilities in future development cycles.