CVE-2008-5794 in LoveCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in system/admin/images.php in LoveCMS 1.6.2 Final allows remote attackers to delete arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the delete parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-5794 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within LoveCMS 1.6.2 Final's administrative interface. This issue specifically affects the system/admin/images.php file which handles image deletion functionality. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters, particularly the delete parameter that controls file deletion operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests containing directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) to navigate outside the intended directory boundaries and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category known as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory" and aligns with the broader class of path traversal vulnerabilities that have been consistently documented in cybersecurity threat models. The flaw operates by allowing an attacker to manipulate the delete parameter through directory traversal sequences, effectively bypassing the intended access controls and authorization mechanisms. When the application processes these malicious inputs without proper validation, it executes file deletion operations on unintended targets, potentially leading to complete system compromise or data destruction.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file deletion capabilities and represents a serious threat to system integrity and availability. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to delete critical system files, configuration data, or user content, potentially causing service disruption or complete system failure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates remotely without requiring authentication, meaning any attacker with network access can exploit it. This type of vulnerability can be classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" when combined with other exploitation methods, though it primarily maps to T1083 for file and directory discovery and T1485 for data destruction.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization techniques. The most effective approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e. Applications should employ absolute path validation mechanisms that ensure all file operations occur within designated directories and implement proper access control lists that restrict administrative functions to authorized users only. Additionally, developers should implement proper output encoding and input filtering to prevent malicious sequences from being processed. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block directory traversal attempts, along with regular security audits and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of following secure coding practices and input validation as outlined in OWASP Top Ten security guidelines, particularly focusing on preventing path traversal attacks through proper parameter handling and access control implementations.