CVE-2008-6273 in MyKtools
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in configuration_script.php in MyKtools 3.0 allows remote authenticated administrators to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the langage parameter, a different vulnerability than CVE-2008-4781. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6273 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the MyKtools 3.0 web application framework. This security weakness specifically affects the configuration_script.php component and enables remote authenticated administrators to exploit a path traversal mechanism through manipulation of the langage parameter. The vulnerability operates by allowing attackers to append directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) to file paths, thereby gaining access to arbitrary local files on the server filesystem. Unlike similar vulnerabilities such as CVE-2008-4781, this flaw demonstrates distinct characteristics in its exploitation methodology and target components, indicating a separate code path within the application's file handling mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the configuration_script.php file. When the application processes the langage parameter without proper restrictions on directory traversal sequences, it fails to validate or sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into file system operations. This allows an authenticated administrator with malicious intent to craft specially formatted requests that bypass normal file access controls and potentially execute arbitrary local files. The flaw essentially permits attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access sensitive system files, configuration data, or other locally stored resources that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security risks for systems running MyKtools 3.0. An authenticated attacker who can manipulate the langage parameter gains the ability to read arbitrary local files, which may include sensitive configuration files containing database credentials, system passwords, or other confidential information. The potential for executing arbitrary local files further amplifies the threat, as it could enable attackers to run malicious code on the target system with the privileges of the web application process. This represents a severe privilege escalation vector that could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) when considering potential exploitation paths. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file system operations. The recommended approach involves implementing strict whitelisting of allowed language parameters, implementing proper path validation mechanisms, and ensuring that all file access operations properly sanitize input to prevent directory traversal attacks. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing path traversal attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.