CVE-2008-3446 in LetterIt
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in inc/wysiwyg.php in LetterIt 2 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the language parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3446 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the LetterIt 2 web application, specifically affecting the inc/wysiwyg.php component. This weakness enables remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms by exploiting improper input validation in the language parameter, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution through carefully crafted directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation. The vulnerability resides in the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into file system operations, fundamentally compromising the application's security boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker supplies a malicious value containing directory traversal sequences in the language parameter of the wysiwyg.php script. When the application processes this input without adequate validation or sanitization, it allows the attacker to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary local files on the server. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities. The vulnerability enables attackers to potentially read sensitive files, execute malicious code, or even escalate privileges within the compromised system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary local files on the target system. This can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the server's file system. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. Additionally, the vulnerability affects the application's integrity by allowing unauthorized modification of system components through the inclusion of malicious local files.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The recommended approach involves implementing strict whitelisting of acceptable language parameter values, employing absolute path resolution to prevent traversal attacks, and ensuring proper access controls are enforced on file system resources. Security practitioners should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious traversal sequences, while applying the latest security patches from the vendor if available. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, as successful exploitation can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system through the compromised file inclusion mechanism.