CVE-2008-4739 in PlugSpace
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in PlugSpace 0.1, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the navi parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4739 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the PlugSpace 0.1 content management system. This weakness specifically affects the index.php script where user input is processed without adequate sanitization when the PHP configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate and filter input parameters, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms through crafted directory traversal sequences.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the navi parameter within the index.php script. When an attacker submits a request containing .. (dot dot) sequences in the navi parameter, the application processes these inputs without proper validation, allowing the attacker to traverse the file system hierarchy. This directory traversal capability enables remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files on the server, effectively bypassing normal access controls and potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the absence of magic_quotes_gpc protection, which normally would have escaped special characters in user input.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file inclusion attacks, as it can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system. An attacker could potentially access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, or other system files that should remain protected. The vulnerability also aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This weakness allows attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or further exploitation within the network environment.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential access through exploitation of system vulnerabilities. The attack chain typically begins with reconnaissance to identify the vulnerable system, followed by crafting malicious payloads that exploit the directory traversal mechanism. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be automated, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within compromised environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate fix involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Applications should employ allow-list validation techniques that only permit known good values rather than attempting to filter out malicious input. Additionally, the system configuration should ensure that magic_quotes_gpc is properly enabled or that equivalent protection mechanisms are implemented through custom input filtering. Organizations should also implement proper file access controls and restrict file inclusion operations to specific directories, preventing access to sensitive system files through the application interface. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper access controls in preventing directory traversal attacks, emphasizing the need for defense-in-depth strategies that protect against multiple attack vectors.