CVE-2008-6288 in ibase
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in download.php in Interface Medien ibase 2.03 and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the filename parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6288 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Interface Medien ibase 2.03 content management system and earlier versions. This security weakness resides in the download.php script which fails to properly validate user input, specifically the filename parameter that controls file access operations. The flaw enables malicious actors to manipulate the application's file handling mechanism by injecting directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation, thereby bypassing intended access controls and potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive system files.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the lack of input sanitization in the filename parameter, allowing attackers to navigate through the file system hierarchy and access files outside the intended download directory. When a user-supplied filename parameter contains sequences such as ../ or ..\, the application processes these traversal commands without proper validation, leading to unauthorized file access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to read arbitrary files from the server's file system. This could include sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other confidential data that should remain protected. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform reconnaissance, gather intelligence about the system's configuration, and potentially escalate their privileges or extract valuable data that could be used for further exploitation. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require local system access or credentials to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6288 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the download.php script. The most effective approach involves implementing strict path validation that ensures all file access operations remain within the intended directory boundaries. This can be achieved through techniques such as canonicalizing file paths, using allowlists of permitted files, or implementing proper directory traversal prevention mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for web application directories and ensuring that the application runs with minimal required permissions. Additionally, regular security updates and patches should be applied to address known vulnerabilities, while implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to credential access and reconnaissance activities that leverage path traversal techniques to gain unauthorized access to system resources.