CVE-2008-4526 in CCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in CCMS 3.1 allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the skin parameter to (1) index.php, (2) forums.php, (3) admin.php, (4) header.php, (5) pages/story.php and (6) pages/poll.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2024
The CVE-2008-4526 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting CCMS 3.1 content management system, specifically targeting multiple core application files through improper input validation. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw exists in the handling of the skin parameter within six distinct PHP scripts including index.php, forums.php, admin.php, header.php, pages/story.php, and pages/poll.php, making it particularly dangerous as it affects core application functionality and administrative interfaces.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input sanitization in the skin parameter, which allows remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion paths using the .. (dot dot) sequence. When an attacker submits a malicious skin parameter containing directory traversal sequences such as ../../etc/passwd or similar local file references, the application fails to validate or sanitize these inputs before processing them in file inclusion functions. This creates an opportunity for arbitrary code execution and unauthorized access to local system resources, potentially enabling attackers to read sensitive files, execute malicious code, or gain deeper system access.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4526 extends beyond simple file access, as it compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the entire CCMS 3.1 deployment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access administrative interfaces through admin.php, potentially gaining full control over the content management system. The vulnerability affects not only the public-facing website components but also the backend administrative functions, creating a complete compromise of the system's security posture. This type of vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious file execution and T1078 for valid accounts through compromised administrative interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures across all affected PHP scripts. The primary defense involves implementing proper parameter validation that rejects or strips directory traversal sequences from user inputs before they are processed in file inclusion operations. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls with content filtering capabilities to block malicious traversal patterns and implement proper access controls to limit file system access to application processes. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version of CCMS 3.1 or upgraded to a more recent version that addresses this specific directory traversal vulnerability. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar input validation flaws in other application components, as this vulnerability type remains prevalent in many legacy applications and represents a fundamental security weakness that requires systematic remediation across all input handling mechanisms.