CVE-2008-6334 in Extract Website
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in download.php in eMetrix Extract Website allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the filename parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2024
The directory traversal vulnerability identified in CVE-2008-6334 affects the download.php script within the eMetrix Extract Website application, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation in the filename parameter processing, allowing malicious users to manipulate file paths through directory traversal sequences. The specific implementation flaw occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file operations, creating an opportunity for attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access restricted files.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes directory traversal attacks as a form of path traversal where attackers can manipulate file paths to access files outside the designated directory. The flaw operates by accepting user input containing .. sequences that are not properly filtered or validated, enabling attackers to construct malicious file paths that bypass normal access controls. When the download.php script processes these inputs without adequate sanitization, it can be tricked into opening files in parent directories, potentially leading to unauthorized access to system files, configuration data, or sensitive information stored on the web server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it can provide attackers with access to critical system components that may contain sensitive data or enable further exploitation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read system configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other confidential information that could be used for additional attacks. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require local access to the system, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from any location with network access to the affected web application. This type of vulnerability can also facilitate privilege escalation attacks when combined with other weaknesses, as attackers might gain access to files that contain authentication tokens or other sensitive data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms that prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. The recommended approach includes implementing strict input filtering that removes or encodes potentially dangerous characters such as .. and /, as well as using absolute path validation that ensures file access remains within designated directories. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and file permission settings to limit the impact of any successful exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege when developing web applications, as the implementation of proper input validation and output encoding can prevent such attacks from succeeding. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachment) as attackers can use such vulnerabilities to discover system files and potentially gain access to sensitive data that could be used for more sophisticated attacks.