CVE-2008-3568 in UNAK
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in fckeditor/editor/filemanager/browser/default/connectors/php/connector.php in UNAK-CMS 1.5.5 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a full pathname in the Dirroot parameter, a different vulnerability than CVE-2006-4890.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3568 represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw within the UNAK-CMS 1.5.5 content management system. This issue specifically affects the file manager component located at fckeditor/editor/filemanager/browser/default/connectors/php/connector.php, which serves as a bridge between the web interface and local file system operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters, particularly the Dirroot parameter that controls directory access paths. Security researchers have classified this as distinct from CVE-2006-4890, indicating it operates through different attack vectors and exploitation methods despite both being path traversal vulnerabilities.
The technical implementation of this flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the Dirroot parameter with absolute pathnames, bypassing normal directory access controls and potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive system files. When an attacker supplies a malicious absolute path through this parameter, the vulnerable connector.php script processes the input without proper validation, leading to arbitrary local file inclusion and execution capabilities. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The underlying mechanism exploits the lack of proper input sanitization and validation, enabling attackers to traverse the file system hierarchy beyond intended boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other sensitive resources stored on the server. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require local system access, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of script-based attacks, and T1566.001, covering spearphishing attachments that could leverage such vulnerabilities for initial access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3568 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the vulnerable script. The most effective approach involves implementing strict path validation that ensures all user-supplied directory paths are properly sanitized and restricted to predefined safe directories. Organizations should consider implementing a whitelist-based approach that only allows access to explicitly defined directories rather than accepting arbitrary paths. Additionally, the system should enforce proper access controls and privilege separation to limit the damage that can be caused by successful exploitation attempts. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed, while monitoring systems should be implemented to detect suspicious file access patterns and potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of file handling components within content management systems.