CVE-2008-4740 in TinyCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in templater.php in the ZZ_Templater module in TinyCMS 1.1.2, when register_globals is enabled and magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the config[template] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-4740 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the ZZ_Templater module of TinyCMS version 1.1.2. This security weakness stems from improper input validation mechanisms that fail to sanitize user-supplied data before processing. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where the PHP configuration has register_globals enabled and magic_quotes_gpc disabled, creating an environment where malicious input can be directly interpreted as executable code. The flaw manifests in the templater.php script through the config[template] parameter, which accepts user input without adequate sanitization or validation. When an attacker crafts a malicious payload containing directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot), the application processes these sequences without proper restrictions, allowing access to arbitrary local files on the server filesystem. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The security implications are severe as attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code, access sensitive configuration files, read system files, or potentially gain full system compromise depending on the server configuration and file permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it provides attackers with a pathway to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. When register_globals is enabled, user input parameters become automatically available as global variables, eliminating the need for explicit variable assignment and creating additional attack vectors. The absence of magic_quotes_gpc means that special characters in user input are not automatically escaped, making it easier for attackers to inject malicious payloads. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting URLs that include directory traversal sequences in the config[template] parameter, potentially accessing sensitive files such as database configuration files, user credentials, or system configuration data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for local file inclusion attacks, where attackers can include and execute local files that should normally be restricted from direct access. This creates a significant risk for web applications that rely on user input for template selection or configuration parameters, as it effectively bypasses normal access controls and file system restrictions. The attack vector is particularly effective against older PHP configurations and CMS systems that have not been updated to address such fundamental security flaws.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4740 require immediate remediation actions to address both the specific vulnerability and underlying configuration issues. The most effective immediate fix involves disabling register_globals in the PHP configuration file and enabling magic_quotes_gpc, which provides automatic escaping of special characters in user input. Additionally, developers should implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that reject or escape directory traversal sequences before processing user-supplied data. The application should employ a whitelist approach for template selection, where only pre-approved template names are accepted rather than allowing arbitrary input. Security headers and proper file access controls should be implemented to restrict access to sensitive files and directories. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. System administrators should ensure that TinyCMS is updated to the latest version that contains patches for this vulnerability, as the original version 1.1.2 is no longer supported and contains multiple known security issues. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious directory traversal attempts, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege when configuring web applications, as the combination of insecure PHP settings creates a dangerous environment for exploitation. Organizations should implement comprehensive security awareness training for developers to prevent similar issues in future applications.