CVE-2008-6002 in web-cp
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in sendfile.php in web-cp 0.5.7, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a full pathname in the filelocation parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6002 represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw within the web-cp 0.5.7 content management system. This vulnerability specifically affects systems where the PHP configuration parameter register_globals is enabled, creating a dangerous condition that allows remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server. The flaw exists in the sendfile.php script which processes file location parameters without adequate input validation or sanitization. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from request data, significantly expanding the attack surface and making the system more susceptible to manipulation through crafted input parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of the filelocation parameter within the sendfile.php script. Attackers can exploit this by providing a full pathname in the filelocation parameter that points to sensitive files outside the intended directory structure. This occurs because the application does not properly validate or sanitize user input before using it in file operations, allowing attackers to traverse the file system beyond the intended boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the file system level, potentially enabling access to configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other sensitive system resources that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read sensitive files such as database connection details, application configuration files, and potentially even system-level files that contain authentication credentials or other critical information. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication, making it an attractive target for automated scanning tools and malicious actors seeking to gain unauthorized access to web applications. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the dangers associated with legacy PHP configurations such as register_globals. The flaw highlights how seemingly minor configuration settings can create significant security risks when combined with insecure coding practices. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling register_globals in PHP configurations, implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all file path parameters, and employing proper access controls that limit file system access to authorized operations only. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers the use of malicious file content to gain access to systems, as it allows attackers to access files that could contain sensitive information or serve as entry points for further exploitation.
The remediation strategy for this vulnerability involves multiple layers of defense including immediate disabling of register_globals, implementing robust input validation that prevents path traversal attempts, and ensuring that all file operations use absolute paths with proper directory restrictions. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive code reviews to identify similar patterns in other applications and implement proper access controls that limit file system operations to legitimate application needs only. This vulnerability serves as a stark reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security configurations that prevent the exploitation of known vulnerabilities through proper input handling and system hardening measures.