CVE-2008-6265 in Cyberfolio
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in portfolio/css.php in Cyberfolio 7.12.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the theme parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6265 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Cyberfolio 7.12.2 content management system, specifically affecting the portfolio/css.php component. This issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before processing. The vulnerability exists in the theme parameter handling where the application directly incorporates user input into file path resolution without adequate sanitization or validation checks. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests containing .. (dot dot) sequences within the theme parameter, enabling them to traverse the file system hierarchy and access arbitrary local files on the server. The flaw fundamentally compromises the application's ability to enforce proper file access controls and represents a classic example of insecure direct object reference vulnerability.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a predictable pattern where remote attackers construct malicious URLs with directory traversal sequences such as ../../etc/passwd or similar paths that would normally be restricted. When the portfolio/css.php script processes these inputs, it fails to validate or sanitize the theme parameter, allowing the attacker to bypass normal file access restrictions. This creates an arbitrary file inclusion condition that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code on the target system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the web application. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell."
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass full system compromise potential. Attackers can leverage this weakness to access database configuration files, user credentials, application source code, and system configuration files that could provide further attack vectors. The vulnerability affects all versions of Cyberfolio up to and including 7.12.2, making it a widespread concern for organizations that have not updated their installations. Successful exploitation could result in complete system takeover, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target network. Organizations with exposed web applications are particularly vulnerable, as this flaw can be exploited through automated scanning tools, making it a prime target for mass exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-provided patch or upgrading to a version of Cyberfolio that addresses this directory traversal vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that reject or normalize any input containing directory traversal sequences. Web application firewalls can be configured to detect and block suspicious patterns in URL parameters, particularly those containing .. sequences. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege for web application accounts and restricting file system permissions can limit the damage from successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems. The remediation process should also include disabling unnecessary file inclusion features and implementing proper access controls that prevent unauthorized file system access. Organizations should consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates and maintain comprehensive security monitoring to detect exploitation attempts.