CVE-2008-5752 in Page Flip Image Gallery plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in getConfig.php in the Page Flip Image Gallery plugin 0.2.2 and earlier for WordPress, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the book_id parameter. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2024
The CVE-2008-5752 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Page Flip Image Gallery plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions 0.2.2 and earlier. This vulnerability exploits a fundamental security weakness in how the plugin processes user input, creating an avenue for remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the web server. The issue manifests when the magic_quotes_gpc PHP configuration setting is disabled, which removes automatic escaping of special characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data. This configuration oversight leaves the application vulnerable to malicious input manipulation that can bypass normal file access controls and potentially expose sensitive system information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the manipulation of the book_id parameter within the getConfig.php script, where the plugin fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input. When an attacker crafts a malicious request containing directory traversal sequences such as ..%2F or similar encoded dot-dot-slash patterns, the application processes these inputs without adequate input validation, allowing the traversal to occur. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities. The vulnerability exists because the plugin does not implement proper input sanitization or access control measures, enabling attackers to navigate the file system beyond intended boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file disclosure, as it can potentially allow attackers to access configuration files, database credentials, user information, and other sensitive data stored on the server. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, the vulnerability becomes more exploitable since the application no longer receives automatic escaping of potentially malicious input characters. Attackers can leverage this weakness to read system files that should remain protected, including wp-config.php which often contains database connection details and cryptographic keys. The implications are particularly severe in WordPress environments where plugins may have elevated privileges or access to sensitive user data, making this vulnerability a prime target for exploitation in broader attack campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5752 should focus on immediate plugin updates to versions that address the directory traversal flaw, along with proper server configuration adjustments. The most effective immediate fix involves upgrading to a patched version of the Page Flip Image Gallery plugin where input validation has been implemented to prevent directory traversal attacks. Additionally, system administrators should ensure that magic_quotes_gpc is properly configured or implement alternative input sanitization measures. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) techniques, as attackers can use such flaws to discover system information and potentially escalate privileges. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls with rules designed to detect and block directory traversal patterns, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins or custom applications. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and the dangers of relying on server configuration settings that may not provide adequate protection against common attack vectors.