CVE-2008-4155 in EasySite
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in EasySite 2.3 allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files or list directories via a .. (dot dot) in the (1) module or (2) action parameter in (a) www/index.php; the (3) module, (4) ss_module, or (5) ss_action parameter in (b) modules/Module/index.php or (c) modules/Themes/index.php; or the (6) module parameter in (d) inc/vmenu.php.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The CVE-2008-4155 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting EasySite 2.3 content management system, exposing multiple attack vectors through improper input validation in several key application components. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw manifests when the application fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied input parameters, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.
The vulnerability operates through multiple entry points within the EasySite application architecture, specifically targeting parameter handling in four distinct files including www/index.php, modules/Module/index.php, modules/Themes/index.php, and inc/vmenu.php. Attackers can exploit these weaknesses by injecting .. (dot dot) sequences into the module, action, ss_module, ss_action, or other parameter fields, enabling them to traverse the file system hierarchy and access files outside the intended web root directory. This manipulation allows for arbitrary file reading and directory listing capabilities, potentially exposing sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute further malicious activities within the compromised environment. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access system files, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or even full system compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it affects core application modules and navigation components, meaning that successful exploitation could impact the entire application functionality and data integrity. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) techniques, as it enables attackers to discover system files and potentially deliver additional payloads through compromised modules.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4155 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization across all user-supplied parameters within the affected files. The primary defense mechanism involves implementing proper parameter validation that rejects or filters out directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e. Additionally, developers should implement absolute path restrictions and ensure that all file access operations occur within designated safe directories. The application should enforce strict access controls and implement proper authentication mechanisms to limit unauthorized access to sensitive components. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security audits to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems and conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other application components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and highlights the need for defense-in-depth strategies to protect against path traversal attacks that remain prevalent in modern web security landscapes.