CVE-2008-4764 in Com Extplorer
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the eXtplorer module (com_extplorer) 2.0.0 RC2 and earlier in Joomla! allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the dir parameter in a show_error action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The CVE-2008-4764 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the eXtplorer module version 2.0.0 RC2 and earlier installations within the Joomla! content management system. This vulnerability specifically affects the com_extplorer component which provides file management capabilities through a web interface. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input submitted through the dir parameter during a show_error action. Attackers can exploit this weakness by injecting directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation, allowing them to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the eXtplorer module's file handling routines. When the application processes the dir parameter without proper sanitization, it accepts user-supplied paths that contain traversal sequences. This allows malicious actors to craft requests that reference parent directories, effectively bypassing the intended file access restrictions. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests that manipulate the dir parameter to include sequences such as ../../../etc/passwd or similar system files. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper path validation and access control enforcement, which falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to sensitive system files that may contain credentials, configuration data, or other confidential information. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially read system files such as password hashes, database configuration files, or application source code that might reveal additional attack vectors. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the Joomla installation contains sensitive business or personal data. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for Data from Information Repositories, as it allows unauthorized access to stored data through compromised file access mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4764 should focus on immediate patching of the affected eXtplorer module to version 2.0.0 RC3 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should also implement proper input sanitization at the application level, ensuring that all user-supplied paths are validated against a whitelist of allowed directories or properly encoded to prevent traversal sequences. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious traversal attempts, while regular security audits should verify that no other components within the Joomla! installation suffer from similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular file system permission reviews can limit the damage potential even if the vulnerability is exploited. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that legitimate file access functionality remains intact while preventing the traversal attacks that could compromise the system's security posture.