CVE-2008-4773 in QuestCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in main/main.php in QuestCMS allows remote attackers to read arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the theme parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2024
The CVE-2008-4773 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the QuestCMS content management system that exposes the application to remote file inclusion attacks. This vulnerability specifically affects the main/main.php script where the theme parameter is processed without proper input validation, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to navigate the file system beyond the intended directory boundaries. The flaw stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input, enabling malicious actors to manipulate the theme parameter to access arbitrary local files on the server. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category known as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 for discovering system information through directory traversal methods.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application directly incorporates user-supplied theme parameter values into file system operations without proper validation or sanitization. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious URLs containing double dot sequences such as ../../../etc/passwd or similar path traversal patterns that bypass normal access controls. When the application processes these inputs, it fails to properly validate the theme parameter, allowing the attacker to traverse the file system hierarchy and access sensitive files that should remain protected. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and proper path resolution mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially expose database configuration files, system credentials, and other sensitive information stored on the server.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4773 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise through access to configuration files containing database credentials, application secrets, and potentially system-level files. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, escalate privileges, and potentially establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability affects the availability and integrity of the CMS by allowing unauthorized file access, which could result in data breaches, system disruption, and unauthorized modifications to critical application components. Organizations running QuestCMS versions affected by this vulnerability face significant risk of data exposure and potential system infiltration, particularly in environments where the CMS handles sensitive information or serves as a critical business application.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4773 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent directory traversal attacks. Organizations should immediately apply security patches or upgrades provided by QuestCMS vendors to address the vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, restricting file system permissions, and employing web application firewalls can help prevent exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough code review to ensure all file system operations properly validate input parameters and implement proper path resolution techniques. Security measures should also incorporate monitoring for suspicious file access patterns and regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other components of the application stack. Organizations should consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regularly audit system configurations to minimize potential attack surface exposure.