CVE-2008-5966 in globsy
Summary
by MITRE
globsy_edit.php in Globsy 1.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to create or overwrite arbitrary files via a filename in the file parameter and file contents in the data parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5966 resides within the globsy_edit.php script of the Globsy content management system version 1.0 and earlier. This flaw represents a critical path traversal and arbitrary file manipulation vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute unauthorized file operations on the target system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the file parameter handling mechanism, allowing malicious actors to specify arbitrary filenames and corresponding file contents through HTTP request parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of two primary parameters within the HTTP request structure. Attackers can supply a filename in the file parameter and provide the desired file contents in the data parameter, bypassing normal file system access controls. This creates a scenario where the application processes user-supplied input without adequate validation, leading to potential file creation or overwriting operations at arbitrary locations within the system's file hierarchy. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be leveraged to overwrite critical system files, create backdoor access points, or inject malicious code into the web application environment.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to system integrity and confidentiality. Remote attackers can use this weakness to establish persistent access to the compromised system, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The vulnerability allows for arbitrary file system manipulation, which can result in data loss, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and the installation of malware or backdoors. Additionally, attackers can leverage this vulnerability to modify web application files, potentially causing service disruption or creating conditions for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The ease of exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise web applications without requiring privileged access or advanced technical skills.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. This classification indicates that the flaw involves inadequate validation of file paths, allowing attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving file and directory permissions modification and persistence mechanisms, specifically T1078 for Valid Accounts and T1546 for Event Triggered Execution. The vulnerability also relates to T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers may use the ability to create or modify files to establish malicious execution environments. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, proper file access controls, and restricting file system permissions for web application directories. The most effective remediation involves validating all user-supplied input, implementing strict file path validation, and ensuring that web applications operate with minimal necessary privileges to prevent unauthorized file system modifications.