CVE-2008-3371 in TalkBack
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in install/help.php in TalkBack 2.3.5, and other versions before 2.3.6.2, allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via directory traversal sequences in the language parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3371 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the TalkBack content management system version 2.3.5 and earlier releases. This weakness resides in the install/help.php script where the application fails to properly validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into file system operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the language parameter which is used to determine which localized help files to display, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to manipulate the application's behavior through crafted input sequences.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from improper input sanitization within the application's file inclusion mechanism. When users provide a language parameter containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, the application processes these paths without adequate validation, allowing attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The flaw enables attackers to include arbitrary local files from the server filesystem, potentially leading to remote code execution or information disclosure depending on the system configuration and file permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected server. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive system files, configuration data, or even execute malicious code if the application runs with elevated privileges. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication and can be executed remotely through a web browser or automated tools. This makes it a prime target for automated exploitation and can lead to complete system compromise if the application has access to sensitive resources or if the server configuration allows arbitrary code execution.
Security practitioners should immediately implement mitigations including updating to TalkBack version 2.3.6.2 or later, which contains patches addressing this vulnerability. Additionally, input validation should be enforced at multiple layers including application-level filtering of the language parameter to prevent directory traversal sequences. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection by detecting and blocking suspicious path traversal patterns in incoming requests. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could lead to command execution capabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege for web applications, ensuring that the application has minimal required filesystem access to reduce potential impact from such vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on input validation practices can help identify similar weaknesses in other applications within the organization's infrastructure.