CVE-2008-3710 in CyBoards PHP Lite
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in CyBoards PHP Lite 1.21 allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via directory traversal sequences in the (1) script_path parameter to (a) options.php and the (2) lang_code parameter to (b) copy_vip.php and (c) process_edit_board.php in adminopts/. NOTE: some of these vectors might not be vulnerabilities under proper installation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2017
The CVE-2008-3710 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting CyBoards PHP Lite 1.21, specifically targeting the application's handling of user-supplied input parameters. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw exists in the application's administrative interfaces where the script_path parameter in options.php and lang_code parameters in copy_vip.php and process_edit_board.php within the adminopts/ directory fail to properly validate or sanitize user input. Attackers can exploit these weaknesses by crafting malicious URLs containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary local files on the server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the application directly incorporates user-supplied parameters into file inclusion operations without adequate input validation or sanitization. When the script_path parameter in options.php or the lang_code parameters in the other affected files are manipulated, the application processes these inputs without proper boundary checks, allowing attackers to specify file paths that extend beyond the intended application directories. This enables unauthorized access to sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially arbitrary code execution depending on the server configuration and file permissions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the file system level, allowing attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain deeper system access.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-3710 extends beyond simple file disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read sensitive files such as database configuration files, user credentials stored in configuration files, or even system files that contain critical information about the server environment. The vulnerability's potential for arbitrary code execution makes it particularly dangerous in environments where the web application has elevated privileges or where attackers can upload malicious files through other means. Additionally, the fact that some exploitation vectors may not be vulnerabilities under proper installation suggests that configuration issues within the application's deployment can significantly affect the attack surface, making proper security hardening essential.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3710 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the application's codebase. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied parameters are rigorously validated against a whitelist of acceptable values before being processed. The implementation of proper path validation techniques, such as canonicalization and absolute path resolution, can prevent attackers from manipulating file paths through directory traversal sequences. Security measures should include disabling unnecessary file inclusion features, implementing proper access controls, and ensuring that the application runs with minimal required privileges. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application or related systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and should be addressed through comprehensive security training for development teams to prevent similar issues in future releases.