CVE-2008-4489 in Atarone
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in ap-save.php in Atarone CMS 1.2.0 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via directory traversal sequences in the theme_chosen parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4489 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Atarone CMS version 1.2.0, specifically affecting the ap-save.php component. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before processing them within the application's file inclusion logic. The flaw manifests when attackers manipulate the theme_chosen parameter through directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, enabling them to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary local files on the server filesystem. Such a 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 technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the application processes the theme_chosen parameter without adequate validation, allowing attackers to inject malicious path sequences that bypass normal file access controls. When the ap-save.php script attempts to include or execute files based on the user-provided theme_chosen value, it directly incorporates these unvalidated inputs into file system operations, creating an opportunity for remote code execution or unauthorized file access. This type of vulnerability enables attackers to potentially read sensitive configuration files, system files, or even execute malicious code on the target server. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication and can be executed remotely, making it highly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4489 extends beyond simple file access, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise through remote code execution capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to server resources, potentially leading to data breaches, system infiltration, or further network compromise. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and scripting interpreter for remote code execution, and T1566.001, covering spearphishing attachments, as attackers may use this vulnerability to establish persistent access. Organizations running Atarone CMS 1.2.0 are particularly at risk since this represents a fundamental flaw in the application's input handling and file access controls, potentially exposing sensitive data and system resources to unauthorized parties.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's file handling processes. The most effective remediation involves implementing proper parameter validation that rejects or sanitizes directory traversal sequences before they are processed by file system operations. Organizations should also consider implementing a principle of least privilege for file system access, ensuring that the web application only has access to necessary directories and files. Additionally, application-level firewalls and web application firewalls can provide additional protection by detecting and blocking suspicious directory traversal patterns in HTTP requests. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other components of the application stack, while also ensuring that the CMS is updated to versions that address this specific vulnerability. The remediation process should also include implementing proper logging and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain audit trails of file access operations.