CVE-2008-5209 in Admidio
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in modules/download/get_file.php in Admidio 1.4.8 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5209 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Admidio 1.4.8 web application framework. This security weakness resides in the modules/download/get_file.php component which fails to properly validate user input parameters, specifically the file parameter that controls file access operations. The vulnerability enables malicious actors to manipulate the file parameter by injecting directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation, allowing them to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access files that should remain restricted.
This directory traversal vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw occurs when the application does not adequately sanitize or validate the file parameter before using it in file system operations, creating an opportunity for attackers to craft malicious requests that bypass normal access controls. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it allows remote exploitation without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any internet-facing system running the vulnerable version of Admidio.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this flaw to read sensitive system files including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential information stored on the server. The implications are severe because Admidio is typically used for managing organizational data including member information, event details, and administrative functions, meaning that successful exploitation could result in data breaches affecting thousands of users. The vulnerability also enables attackers to potentially execute additional attacks by accessing system files that contain sensitive information or by discovering other weaknesses in the application's architecture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5209 should focus on immediate patching of the Admidio application to version 1.5.0 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and sanitization of the file parameter. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures that reject or sanitize any path traversal sequences before processing file access requests. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional defense in depth, though these should not replace proper code-level fixes. Security teams should also conduct thorough audits of all file access functions within the application to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1083, File and Directory Discovery, as attackers can use such flaws to enumerate and access restricted system resources. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to detect similar path traversal issues in other components of the system, as this remains a persistent threat vector in web application security.