CVE-2008-5272 in SyndeoCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Fred Stuurman SyndeoCMS 2.6.0 allow remote authenticated users to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the template parameter to (1) starnet/editors/fckeditor/studenteditor.php; (2) starnet/modules/sn_news/edit_content.php, reached through starnet/index.php; and (3) starnet/modules/sn_newsletter/edit_content.php, reached through starnet/index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2024
The CVE-2008-5272 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Fred Stuurman SyndeoCMS version 2.6.0, demonstrating a fundamental weakness in input validation and file access control mechanisms. This vulnerability exists within the content management system's handling of template parameters, specifically in three distinct script endpoints that process user-supplied data without adequate sanitization. The flaw allows authenticated remote attackers to exploit path traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation, enabling them to access files outside the intended directory structure and potentially obtain sensitive information or execute unauthorized operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of the template parameter in three specific files: starnet/editors/fckeditor/studenteditor.php, starnet/modules/sn_news/edit_content.php, and starnet/modules/sn_newsletter/edit_content.php. These scripts receive user input through the template parameter and directly incorporate it into file system operations without proper sanitization or path validation. When an attacker supplies a path traversal sequence such as ../../../etc/passwd, the application fails to properly resolve the file path, allowing access to arbitrary files on the server filesystem. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to read critical system files, potentially including configuration files, database credentials, or other sensitive data stored on the server. The authentication requirement for exploitation means that an attacker must first obtain valid credentials, but once authenticated, they can leverage this vulnerability to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized access to the system. The attack vector operates through the web application interface, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise and potentially allowing for further exploitation of other system vulnerabilities. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers could use the information gained to craft more sophisticated attacks or gain additional system access.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and secure coding practices within the SyndeoCMS application. The affected scripts fail to implement proper path normalization or validation techniques that would prevent directory traversal attempts. Security best practices dictate that all user-supplied input should be validated, sanitized, and normalized before being used in file system operations. Organizations should implement proper access controls and file system restrictions to prevent unauthorized file access, while also ensuring that applications properly validate and sanitize all input parameters. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and regular security testing to identify and remediate such flaws before they can be exploited by malicious actors. The presence of this vulnerability in a content management system underscores the critical need for proper input validation and access control mechanisms in web applications to prevent unauthorized file system access and potential system compromise.