CVE-2008-3593 in SyzygyCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in SyzygyCMS 0.3 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the page parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3593 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the SyzygyCMS 0.3 content management system. This weakness resides in the index.php file where the application fails to properly validate user input supplied through the page parameter. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to manipulate file paths by injecting .. (dot dot) sequences, enabling them to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary local files on the server. Such directory traversal vulnerabilities are classified under CWE-22 according to the Common Weakness Enumeration, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, also known as path traversal or directory traversal.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious request containing directory traversal sequences within the page parameter of the index.php script. When the CMS processes this input without adequate sanitization, it can lead to the inclusion and execution of local files that should remain protected. This flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially read sensitive files such as configuration data, database credentials, or other system files that contain confidential information. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables arbitrary code execution, as demonstrated by the ability to include and execute local files, making it a severe threat to system integrity and data confidentiality.
Operationally, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass full system compromise. Attackers can leverage this weakness to escalate privileges, access administrative interfaces, or even deploy malware on the affected server. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the CMS by undermining the fundamental security principle of input validation and access control. Systems running SyzygyCMS 0.3 are particularly vulnerable because the application does not implement proper input sanitization or path validation mechanisms, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by any remote user with knowledge of the CMS structure. This type of vulnerability commonly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as the ability to include local files often enables execution of malicious code.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization procedures. System administrators should ensure that all user-supplied input is rigorously validated and that directory traversal sequences are explicitly blocked or sanitized. The recommended approach involves implementing a whitelist-based validation mechanism that only allows predetermined, safe file paths to be accessed. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version of SyzygyCMS that addresses this specific vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious traversal attempts, and conduct regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the fix does not break legitimate functionality while effectively preventing the exploitation of this directory traversal vulnerability.