CVE-2008-6201 in KwsPHP
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in help.php in the eskuel module in KwsPHP 1.3.456, as available before 20080416, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via the action parameter. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The CVE-2008-6201 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the eskuel module of KwsPHP version 1.3.456, which was publicly available prior to April 16, 2008. This vulnerability specifically affects the help.php script and stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters. The flaw manifests through the action parameter, which when manipulated by an attacker can lead to unauthorized access to arbitrary files on the server filesystem. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. Such vulnerabilities fall under the broader category of insecure input handling and represent a fundamental weakness in application security architecture.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers craft malicious requests containing directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar path manipulation techniques within the action parameter of the help.php script. When the application processes these unvalidated inputs, it fails to implement proper path validation or sanitization, allowing the attacker to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access sensitive files or execute arbitrary commands on the underlying system. This type of attack leverages the principle of insufficient input validation, where the application assumes that all input comes from trusted sources without proper verification or sanitization. The vulnerability enables attackers to potentially access configuration files, database credentials, user information, or even system binaries that could be executed to gain further control over the affected server.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6201 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary commands on the target system. This command execution vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise, allowing threat actors to install backdoors, exfiltrate data, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects web applications that rely on dynamic content loading and help system functionality, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application serves as a gateway to sensitive corporate or personal data. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell and T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, as attackers can leverage such vulnerabilities to establish persistent access and execute malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6201 require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences or special characters that could be used for path manipulation. The recommended approach includes using allowlists of valid parameters, implementing proper path normalization, and ensuring that all user inputs are properly escaped or encoded before being processed. Additionally, the application should enforce proper access controls and privilege separation, ensuring that the web server process runs with minimal required permissions. System administrators should also implement proper logging and monitoring to detect suspicious access patterns or attempts to exploit directory traversal vulnerabilities. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to patched versions of KwsPHP or implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block such malicious requests before they reach the vulnerable application components. Organizations should also consider implementing defense-in-depth strategies including network segmentation, regular security assessments, and maintaining up-to-date vulnerability management processes to prevent similar issues from occurring in other applications within their infrastructure.