CVE-2008-3770 in Freeway
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Freeway 1.4.1.171, when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the language parameter to (1) includes/events_application_top.php; (2) english/account.php, (3) french/account.php, and (4) french/account_newsletters.php in includes/languages/; (5) includes/modules/faqdesk/faqdesk_article_require.php; (6) includes/modules/newsdesk/newsdesk_article_require.php; (7) card1.php, (8) loginbox.php, and (9) whos_online.php in templates/Freeway/boxes/; and (10) templates/Freeway/mainpage_modules/mainpage.php. NOTE: vector 1 may be the same as CVE-2008-3677.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-3770 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Freeway version 1.4.1.171 when the PHP configuration parameter register_globals is enabled. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within multiple script files that process user-supplied language parameters without proper sanitization. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion paths through the use of directory traversal sequences, specifically the .. (dot dot) notation, which enables unauthorized access to local files on the server. The affected files span across multiple directories including language packs, modules, and template components, indicating a widespread issue in the application's file handling mechanisms. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from GET, POST, and COOKIE data, creating additional attack surface that makes this vulnerability exploitable through simple URL parameter manipulation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the language parameter in various PHP scripts, where the application fails to validate or sanitize user input before using it in file inclusion operations. Attackers can construct malicious URLs that include directory traversal sequences to access files outside the intended directory structure, potentially leading to the execution of arbitrary code or unauthorized information disclosure. The vulnerability affects multiple entry points within the application's architecture, including event handling scripts, account management pages, newsletter modules, and various template components. This widespread impact suggests that the application's design lacks consistent input validation and secure file access controls, making it susceptible to attackers who can leverage these weaknesses across different functional areas of the software. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to sensitive files including database configuration details, user credentials, application source code, and other confidential information stored on the server. The ability to execute arbitrary local files through file inclusion attacks could allow for remote code execution, enabling attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malicious payloads. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Freeway is deployed without proper security hardening measures. Given that register_globals is an outdated PHP configuration that should never be enabled in production environments, the vulnerability highlights the importance of proper PHP security configuration and input validation practices.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through proper input validation and parameter sanitization across all affected script files. The primary solution involves implementing strict input validation that rejects or sanitizes directory traversal sequences before they are processed in file inclusion operations. Applications should avoid using user-supplied parameters directly in file paths and instead employ whitelisting mechanisms that only permit predefined, safe language values. The most effective long-term solution requires disabling register_globals in PHP configuration and implementing proper secure coding practices including the use of include_once or require_once functions with validated file paths. Organizations should also implement proper file access controls and ensure that the web application runs with minimal required privileges. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of adhering to secure coding guidelines and following the principle of least privilege in web application development, as outlined in various security frameworks including those referenced in the ATT&CK framework for web application attacks. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that legacy PHP configurations and insecure coding practices can create persistent security risks that require immediate attention and remediation.