CVE-2008-6336 in Text Lines Rearrange Script
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in download.php in Text Lines Rearrange Script 1.0, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to read arbitrary local files via directory traversal sequences in the filename parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6336 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Text Lines Rearrange Script version 1.0, specifically affecting the download.php component. This weakness arises from improper input validation mechanisms that fail to adequately sanitize user-supplied data, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to access arbitrary local files on the affected system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only the presence of the register_globals PHP configuration setting to be enabled, which was commonly found in many web server environments during the time this vulnerability was discovered. The attack vector involves manipulation of the filename parameter through directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ../../, allowing attackers to navigate beyond the intended download directory and access sensitive files that should remain protected.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The flaw occurs when the application processes user input without proper validation or sanitization, allowing malicious sequences to be interpreted by the underlying operating system as legitimate file path references. When register_globals is enabled, the vulnerability becomes even more severe because the application's behavior changes to incorporate user-supplied variables directly into the global scope, making it easier for attackers to manipulate the application's execution flow. The download.php script likely accepts the filename parameter and directly uses it in file operations without proper path validation, creating a direct pathway for attackers to access system files that should be restricted to authorized users only.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the potential to access sensitive system files including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other critical data that could lead to complete system compromise. Attackers could potentially access files containing database connection strings, application secrets, or even system configuration details that could be used to escalate privileges or launch further attacks against the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitability is significantly enhanced in environments where register_globals is enabled, as this configuration setting automatically creates global variables from GET, POST, and cookie data, reducing the complexity required to craft successful attacks. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in legacy systems or improperly configured web environments where such settings are still active.
Security mitigations for CVE-2008-6336 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed by the application. The primary recommendation involves implementing strict path validation that ensures all file operations occur within designated directories and that user-supplied input cannot contain directory traversal sequences. Organizations should disable the register_globals PHP configuration setting immediately, as this represents a fundamental security misconfiguration that significantly increases the attack surface. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and file permission settings can help limit the damage that can be caused by successful exploitation attempts. The application should be updated to use modern secure coding practices that include proper parameter validation, input sanitization, and secure file handling mechanisms. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Social Engineering) as attackers may use this vulnerability to discover system files and potentially escalate privileges through the information gained. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to ensure that similar path traversal vulnerabilities are not present in other components of the application stack, and that proper security configurations are maintained throughout the system infrastructure.