CVE-2008-4592 in Sports Clubs Web Portal
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in Sports Clubs Web Panel 0.0.1 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the p parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4592 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Sports Clubs Web Panel version 0.0.1, specifically affecting the index.php script. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing. The vulnerability manifests when the application accepts a parameter named 'p' without sufficient sanitization, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths through the use of directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e. This particular implementation exposes the system to arbitrary file inclusion attacks where remote attackers can potentially access sensitive system files, execute malicious code, or compromise the entire web application environment. The flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which categorizes 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 an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing the .. sequence within the p parameter, enabling them to navigate directories beyond the intended web root. This allows access to files that should normally be restricted, potentially including configuration files, database credentials, or system files that contain sensitive information. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code on the target system, effectively compromising the entire web server. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of proper input validation and output encoding practices, which are core requirements of secure coding standards. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability falls under the technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as it enables remote code execution through file inclusion mechanisms, and T1566 for phishing with social engineering, since the attack vector typically involves deceptive web interactions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, affecting organizations that deploy the Sports Clubs Web Panel version 0.0.1 in production environments. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data breaches. The vulnerability affects not only the web application itself but also the underlying operating system and any databases or services that may be accessible through the compromised application. Organizations using this software face significant risk of unauthorized access, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill, making it particularly dangerous as it can be targeted by automated scanning tools and less sophisticated attackers. Security professionals must consider the broader implications of such vulnerabilities in web applications, as they often serve as entry points for more complex attack chains that can result in complete system compromise. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, proper file access controls, and application-level restrictions to prevent directory traversal attacks. The remediation process involves ensuring that all user-supplied input is properly validated and sanitized before being processed, implementing strict path validation mechanisms, and employing secure coding practices that prevent the inclusion of arbitrary files through user-controllable parameters.