CVE-2008-3312 in lemon
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in lemon_includes/FCKeditor/editor/filemanager/browser/browser.php in Lemon CMS 1.10 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the dir parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information. NOTE: this might be an issue in FCKeditor.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3312 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Lemon CMS 1.10 content management system, specifically affecting the FCKeditor file manager component. This issue stems from inadequate input validation in the browser.php script located within the lemon_includes/FCKeditor/editor/filemanager/browser/ directory structure. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize the dir parameter, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths through the use of .. (dot dot) sequences that navigate upward through the directory hierarchy. The flaw enables attackers to bypass normal file access controls and potentially access sensitive system files or execute arbitrary code on the affected server.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the lack of proper input sanitization where user-supplied directory parameters are directly incorporated into file system operations without adequate validation or filtering. When an attacker supplies a malicious dir parameter containing sequences like ../../../etc/passwd, the application processes these paths without proper authorization checks, potentially allowing access to system files, configuration data, or other sensitive resources that should remain protected. The attack vector specifically targets the file manager functionality of FCKeditor, which is embedded within the Lemon CMS platform, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages a widely used rich text editor component.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code on the server, access confidential data, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors within the affected environment. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the file management system, potentially allowing unauthorized users to upload malicious files, access administrative resources, or perform unauthorized operations within the CMS. Given that FCKeditor is a widely deployed component in numerous web applications, the potential attack surface for this vulnerability is substantial, making it particularly concerning for organizations running affected versions of Lemon CMS or other platforms that utilize the vulnerable editor component.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the affected application. Organizations should immediately apply patches or updates provided by the Lemon CMS developers or FCKeditor maintainers to address the directory traversal flaw. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, restricting file upload capabilities, and employing web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection. The implementation of proper parameter validation that filters out special characters and sequences such as .. or / can prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability. Network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns can also help detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider conducting comprehensive security assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable components within their web applications, as similar directory traversal vulnerabilities may exist in other parts of their infrastructure, particularly in legacy systems that may not have received proper security updates over time.