CVE-2008-3677 in Freeway
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in includes/events_application_top.php in Freeway before 1.4.2.197 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/04/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3677 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Freeway content management system version 1.4.2.197 and earlier. This weakness resides in the includes/events_application_top.php file, which processes application-level events and serves as a critical entry point for the system's operational flow. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms through unspecified vectors, potentially allowing unauthorized access to local system resources and execution of malicious code. Such vulnerabilities typically arise when applications fail to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input that influences file system operations, creating pathways for attackers to bypass normal access controls and escalate privileges. The directory traversal aspect specifically allows attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access files that should remain restricted.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the events_application_top.php component, which likely processes parameters that directly influence file inclusion operations. When user-supplied data is not properly sanitized or validated before being used in file system operations, attackers can craft malicious requests that manipulate the application's file resolution logic. This typically manifests through the use of directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that allow navigation to parent directories. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the CVE description suggest that multiple attack pathways may exist within the application's processing logic, potentially including parameters passed through different request methods or input sources. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. These attacks fall under the broader category of code injection vulnerabilities where attackers can manipulate application behavior through crafted input.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-3677 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. This capability allows for complete compromise of the web server hosting the Freeway application, potentially leading to data theft, service disruption, or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, or other system resources that may contain authentication tokens or administrative access details. 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 publicly accessible web applications. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and script injection, as successful exploitation would allow attackers to execute commands on the compromised system. The impact is further compounded by the fact that this vulnerability affects the core application framework, potentially providing attackers with persistent access and control over the entire web application infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3677 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future. The primary solution involves upgrading to Freeway version 1.4.2.197 or later, which includes patches specifically designed to address the directory traversal flaw in the events_application_top.php file. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout their applications, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly filtered before being used in any file system operations. This includes implementing strict whitelisting of acceptable file paths and rejecting any input containing directory traversal sequences. Additional protective measures include deploying web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious file inclusion patterns, implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles for web application accounts, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also involve reviewing and updating the application's file inclusion logic to ensure that all file operations are properly validated and that no user input directly influences the resolution of system files. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and regular security updates should be implemented to maintain protection against emerging threats. Organizations should also consider implementing application-level restrictions that prevent access to sensitive system directories and files, while ensuring that the application's operational requirements are maintained through proper configuration management practices.