CVE-2008-6420 in Social Site Generator
Summary
by MITRE
Social Site Generator (SSG) 2.0 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via the file parameter to (1) filedload.php, (2) webadmin/download.php, and (3) webadmin/download_file.php.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6420 affects Social Site Generator version 2.0, a web application designed for creating social networking platforms. This flaw represents a classic path traversal vulnerability that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server through manipulated input parameters. The vulnerability specifically impacts three distinct files within the application's administrative interface, creating multiple attack vectors that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the file parameter handling mechanisms of the three affected scripts. When attackers submit malicious file paths through the file parameter in filedload.php, webadmin/download.php, or webadmin/download_file.php, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before processing file operations. This allows attackers to manipulate the file system navigation by using directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to move up directory levels and access files outside the intended download directories. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with the ability to access potentially sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, source code, and other system resources that should remain protected. An attacker could potentially extract administrative credentials, database connection strings, or application source code that could lead to further exploitation opportunities. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it affects multiple administrative endpoints within the same application, increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation and reducing the effort required by attackers to achieve their objectives. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers can use this access to gather intelligence for more sophisticated attacks.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical skill and can be accomplished through simple HTTP requests that manipulate the file parameter values. Attackers can construct URLs that include directory traversal sequences to access files in restricted directories, potentially leading to complete system compromise if sensitive configuration files or source code are accessible. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application level without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated scanning tools and malicious actors seeking to gain unauthorized access to web applications. Organizations running Social Site Generator 2.0 should immediately implement input validation measures, restrict file access permissions, and consider implementing web application firewalls to mitigate this risk. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security design.