CVE-2008-3589 in moziloCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in download.php in moziloCMS 1.10.1, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the cat parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3589 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the moziloCMS content management system version 1.10.1. This weakness specifically affects the download.php script which processes file download requests through the cat parameter. The vulnerability occurs under specific server configurations where the magic_quotes_gpc directive is disabled, creating an environment where user input is not automatically escaped, thereby exposing the application to malicious input manipulation. The directory traversal aspect of this vulnerability allows attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access files that should remain restricted. This particular weakness falls under the category of CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a well-documented pattern in web application security where applications fail to properly validate or sanitize file paths, enabling attackers to access arbitrary files on the server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the absence of proper input validation within the download.php script. When an attacker submits a malicious cat parameter containing sequences such as ../ or similar directory traversal strings, the application fails to properly sanitize this input before using it in file operations. Without the protective mechanisms provided by magic_quotes_gpc, the attacker can directly inject directory traversal sequences that bypass normal file access controls. This flaw enables unauthorized access to sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, user information, and potentially system files that should never be accessible through the web interface. The vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege by allowing attackers to escalate their access beyond the intended scope of the application's file system operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially access not only user data but also application configuration files that may contain database connection strings, encryption keys, and other sensitive information. This could enable further attacks such as database compromise, privilege escalation, or even complete system takeover depending on the server configuration and file permissions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where the CMS is used to manage sensitive content or where the application runs with elevated privileges. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 - File and Directory Discovery and T1566 - Phishing, as it enables initial access through the exploitation of the web application vulnerability, followed by information gathering and potential lateral movement.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3589 should focus on multiple layers of defense to protect against directory traversal attacks. The primary recommendation involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization within the download.php script to ensure that all user-provided parameters are thoroughly checked against a whitelist of allowed values. Organizations should also consider upgrading to a supported version of moziloCMS that addresses this vulnerability, as version 1.10.1 is outdated and likely contains additional security weaknesses. Server-side configuration changes including enabling magic_quotes_gpc or implementing proper input filtering mechanisms can provide additional protection. Additionally, implementing proper file access controls and ensuring that the web application runs with minimal required privileges can reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can also help detect and block malicious traversal attempts, while regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the environment.