CVE-2008-4702 in PhpWebGallery
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in PhpWebGallery 1.3.4 allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the (1) user[language] and (2) user[template] parameters to (a) init.inc.php, and (b) the user[language] parameter to isadmin.inc.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-4702 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting PhpWebGallery version 1.3.4. This security weakness stems from insufficient input validation in the application's parameter handling mechanisms, specifically within the initialization and administrative components of the web gallery system. The vulnerability manifests when remote attackers manipulate the user language and template parameters to access arbitrary local files through directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs in multiple entry points within the PhpWebGallery codebase. The primary attack vectors involve the user[language] and user[template] parameters within init.inc.php and the user[language] parameter in isadmin.inc.php. These parameters are processed without proper sanitization or validation, allowing attackers to inject directory traversal sequences that bypass normal file access controls. When the application processes these malicious inputs, it concatenates the traversal sequences directly into file path operations, enabling access to files outside the intended directory structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file disclosure to include arbitrary code execution capabilities. Attackers can leverage this weakness to include and execute local files on the server, potentially gaining full control over the web application environment. The vulnerability affects the core initialization process and administrative functions, meaning that successful exploitation could compromise the entire gallery system and potentially provide attackers with access to underlying server resources. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-22 Directory Traversal and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for Server Software Component Vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the PhpWebGallery application to version 1.3.5 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization for user parameters. System administrators should implement input validation at multiple layers, including web application firewalls and server-side parameter sanitization. The remediation process must involve thorough code review to ensure all file inclusion operations properly validate and sanitize user inputs. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and restricting file permissions can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege for web application files and regularly audit their web applications for similar directory traversal vulnerabilities.