CVE-2008-3600 in Menalto
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in contrib/phpBB2/modules.php in Gallery 1.5.7 and 1.6-alpha3, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the phpEx parameter within a modload action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3600 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Gallery 1.5.7 and 1.6-alpha3 versions when operating with register_globals enabled. This vulnerability resides within the contrib/phpBB2/modules.php component of the Gallery application and specifically targets the phpEx parameter handling during modload actions. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms by leveraging directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation, thereby bypassing intended security boundaries and gaining access to arbitrary local files on the server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the Gallery application's module loading mechanism. When register_globals is enabled, the application's configuration creates an environment where user-supplied parameters can directly influence the execution context. The phpEx parameter, which typically defines the file extension for php modules, becomes a vector for malicious input when attackers inject directory traversal sequences. This allows adversaries to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access files that should remain protected, potentially including system configuration files, database credentials, or other sensitive resources.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to web application security and data integrity. Remote attackers can execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or service disruption. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. The combination of directory traversal with register_globals creating a dangerous attack surface demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the dangerous implications of legacy PHP configuration settings that should be deprecated in modern security practices.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes directory traversal attacks as a fundamental weakness in input validation and path handling. This flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1505.003, specifically focusing on server-side include attacks where adversaries leverage web application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code through file inclusion mechanisms. The attack vector specifically targets the application's module loading functionality, which represents a common target for privilege escalation and code execution attacks in web applications. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing proper input sanitization, avoiding dangerous PHP configurations like register_globals, and employing robust file access controls to prevent unauthorized file access through directory traversal techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3600 should include immediate patching of affected Gallery versions, disabling register_globals in PHP configurations, and implementing proper input validation for all user-supplied parameters. Organizations should also deploy web application firewalls to detect and block directory traversal attempts, conduct regular security assessments of web applications, and establish secure coding practices that prevent path traversal vulnerabilities. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for unauthorized file access attempts and implement comprehensive logging to track potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical need for maintaining up-to-date software versions and the importance of adhering to security best practices in web application development and deployment.