CVE-2008-6018 in MyPHPSite
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in MyPHPSite, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the mod parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6018 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the MyPHPSite web application framework. This weakness specifically manifests in the index.php file where the application fails to properly validate user input parameters, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to access sensitive files on the server. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it only requires the magic_quotes_gpc PHP configuration setting to be disabled, which is a common default in many production environments, making the exploit readily available to threat actors. The flaw occurs when the mod parameter is manipulated with directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation, allowing attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access files that should remain restricted.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input sanitization and validation mechanisms within the MyPHPSite application. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, PHP does not automatically escape special characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data, leaving the application responsible for implementing its own input validation. The index.php file processes the mod parameter without adequate sanitization, directly incorporating user-supplied values into file path operations. This creates a path traversal condition where attackers can manipulate the mod parameter to include sequences like ../../etc/passwd or similar system files, effectively bypassing normal file access controls and gaining unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6018 extends far beyond simple file reading capabilities, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can access not only system configuration files and user credentials stored in database files, but also application source code, which may contain database connection strings, API keys, and other sensitive information. The vulnerability can be exploited through simple HTTP requests, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise and no special privileges. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web hosting environments where multiple applications share the same server, as it could potentially allow attackers to access files belonging to other applications hosted on the same system. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory and file permissions enumeration, and T1566, which covers credential access through various attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6018 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization measures within the MyPHPSite application. Organizations should first ensure that magic_quotes_gpc is properly configured or implement robust input validation at the application level to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. The recommended approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that filters out special characters including .., /, and \ from user input before any file operations are performed. Additionally, implementing a whitelist approach for valid module parameters can prevent arbitrary module selection and path manipulation. Security measures should include configuring the web server to restrict access to sensitive files and directories, implementing proper file access controls, and ensuring that the application runs with minimal necessary privileges. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious directory traversal attempts, and conduct regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of defense in depth principles and proper secure coding practices, particularly in the context of PHP web applications where input validation is critical for preventing a wide range of injection attacks.