CVE-2008-6290 in Include Sito
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in includefile.php in nicLOR Sito, when register_globals is enabled or magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the page_file parameter.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6290 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the nicLOR Sito web application framework. This weakness specifically targets the includefile.php component and exploits improper input validation mechanisms that fail to adequately sanitize user-supplied parameters. The vulnerability manifests when the web application operates under configurations where register_globals is enabled or magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, creating an environment where malicious input can be directly interpreted and executed by the application's file inclusion mechanisms. The attack vector leverages the .. (dot dot) sequence in the page_file parameter to navigate through the file system hierarchy and access arbitrary files that should remain protected from direct user access.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The flaw occurs because the application fails to properly validate and sanitize the page_file parameter before using it in file inclusion operations. When register_globals is enabled, user-supplied input becomes directly accessible as global variables, while the absence of magic_quotes_gpc means that special characters are not automatically escaped, allowing attackers to inject malicious sequences. The combination of these insecure configurations creates a perfect storm where directory traversal sequences can be passed directly to the file inclusion function without proper sanitization or validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms being established within the target environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive system files, configuration data, database credentials, and potentially gain shell access to the underlying operating system. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate web application but can also potentially compromise the entire server infrastructure, especially when combined with other vulnerabilities or when the application runs with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where multiple applications share the same server, as it could enable lateral movement and escalation of privileges across different application boundaries.
Security practitioners should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability effectively. The primary mitigation involves ensuring that register_globals is disabled and magic_quotes_gpc is enabled in the php.ini configuration file, though the latter is deprecated in modern php versions. The recommended approach is to implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. This includes implementing strict whitelisting of acceptable file paths, using absolute paths instead of relative paths, and implementing proper access controls that prevent traversal beyond designated directories. Additionally, the application should employ secure coding practices that avoid direct use of user input in file operations, instead utilizing safe include functions or implementing proper parameter validation before any file access occurs. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can monitor for suspicious directory traversal patterns in network traffic.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure configuration management and proper input validation in web application security. It aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.007 for command and script injection, T1566.001 for spearphishing with malicious attachments, and T1078 for valid accounts. The attack pattern represents a classic example of how insecure defaults and misconfigurations can create exploitable conditions that allow attackers to bypass traditional security controls. This vulnerability underscores the necessity of following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege, proper input validation, and secure coding standards. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in their web applications, particularly those that rely on user input for dynamic content inclusion or file access operations. The remediation process should include not only immediate code fixes but also comprehensive security awareness training for development teams to prevent similar issues in future application development cycles.