CVE-2008-6502 in Pro Chat Rooms
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Pro Chat Rooms 3.0.2 allows remote authenticated users to select an arbitrary local PHP script as an avatar via a .. (dot dot) in the avatar parameter, and cause other users to execute this script by using sendData.php to send a message to (1) an individual user or (2) a room, leading to cross-site request forgery (CSRF), cross-site scripting (XSS), or other impacts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2008-6502 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in Pro Chat Rooms version 3.0.2 that fundamentally compromises the security integrity of the application. This directory traversal vulnerability specifically manifests in the avatar selection functionality where authenticated users can manipulate the avatar parameter to reference arbitrary local PHP scripts through directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation. The flaw exists because the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input when processing avatar file paths, allowing malicious actors to escape the intended directory structure and access files outside the designated avatar storage area. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that any user with valid credentials can exploit this weakness without requiring special privileges or elevated access rights.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized file access, creating a chain of security risks that can severely compromise user data and system integrity. When an attacker successfully exploits this directory traversal vulnerability, they can manipulate the application to execute arbitrary PHP scripts that other users may inadvertently execute. This creates a dangerous scenario where legitimate users become unwitting participants in malicious activities through the sendData.php endpoint, which serves as the delivery mechanism for the crafted payloads. The vulnerability enables attackers to potentially inject malicious code that can be executed in the context of other users' browsers, leading to cross-site request forgery attacks where authenticated requests are performed without user knowledge or consent. Additionally, the exploitation can result in cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that can steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions, or redirect users to malicious sites.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of inadequate input validation and sanitization that aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks. This weakness creates an environment where attackers can manipulate file system access through carefully crafted input parameters, fundamentally undermining the application's security boundaries. The vulnerability also relates to CWE-352, which addresses cross-site request forgery, as the attacker can leverage the compromised system to perform authenticated actions on behalf of other users without their knowledge. The exploitation process involves sending specially crafted messages through the sendData.php endpoint that contain the directory traversal sequences in the avatar parameter, which then get processed and executed by other users who view the malicious content.
The attack vector for this vulnerability specifically targets the authenticated user session management and file handling mechanisms within Pro Chat Rooms. Attackers can construct malicious avatar paths that traverse the file system to access sensitive files, including configuration files, database connection details, or even system-level scripts that could provide additional attack surface. The fact that the vulnerability can be triggered through both individual user messaging and room-based communication channels amplifies its impact, as it allows attackers to reach multiple users simultaneously or target specific individuals within the system. This dual attack capability makes the vulnerability particularly effective for mass exploitation campaigns or targeted attacks against high-value users within the chat environment.
Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigations that address both the immediate directory traversal vulnerability and the broader security implications of cross-site scripting and cross-site request forgery. The primary defense mechanism involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied data, particularly file paths and parameters used in file operations. Applications should employ absolute path validation that ensures all file references remain within designated directories and reject any input containing directory traversal sequences. Additionally, the implementation of proper access controls and privilege separation can limit the damage that can be caused by compromised user accounts. Security measures should also include input encoding, output filtering, and the implementation of anti-CSRF tokens to prevent unauthorized operations. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their web applications to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities, as this type of flaw has been consistently identified in numerous applications throughout the years and represents a fundamental security weakness that requires continuous attention and monitoring.