CVE-2008-4780 in MyForum
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in admin/centre.php in MyForum 1.3, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via directory traversal sequences in the padmin parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4780 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the MyForum 1.3 web application, specifically affecting the admin/centre.php component. This weakness emerges when the PHP configuration parameter register_globals is enabled, creating a dangerous condition where user-supplied input can directly influence the application's internal variable handling. The vulnerability manifests through the padmin parameter, which processes directory traversal sequences that should be properly sanitized before being used in file inclusion operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from the improper validation of user input within the application's administrative interface. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates variables from GET, POST, and cookie data, effectively merging user-supplied parameters with the application's internal processing logic. The padmin parameter in admin/centre.php fails to adequately sanitize or validate directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ../../, allowing attackers to manipulate file paths and access arbitrary local files on the server. This flaw aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes directory traversal vulnerabilities as a common weakness in input validation and file handling.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that can compromise the entire web server infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to include and execute arbitrary local files, potentially gaining access to sensitive system files, configuration data, or even executing malicious code with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it requires only a single parameter manipulation to achieve its full impact, making it highly attractive for automated exploitation. This weakness can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, and T1566.001 for malicious file execution in the context of web application exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security flaw and the underlying configuration issues that enable its exploitation. The primary recommendation involves disabling the register_globals directive in PHP configuration, as this parameter fundamentally undermines secure application design principles and creates multiple attack vectors. Additionally, proper input validation and sanitization must be implemented to ensure that all user-supplied parameters undergo rigorous filtering before being processed. The application should implement strict path validation that prevents directory traversal sequences from being processed, utilizing techniques such as canonicalization checks and whitelist-based file access controls. Security measures should also include proper access controls for administrative interfaces, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access sensitive administrative functions. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious directory traversal patterns, while maintaining regular security audits to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across their web applications. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in preventing remote code execution attacks that can compromise entire server infrastructures.