CVE-2008-6516 in phpKF
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in phpKF-Portal 1.10 allow remote attackers to include arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the (1) tema_dizin parameter to baslik.php and (2) portal_ayarlarportal_dili parameter to anket_yonetim.php. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-6516 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting phpKF-Portal version 1.10, which falls under the broader category of insecure direct object reference vulnerabilities classified as CWE-22. This issue enables remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms by exploiting improper input validation in two specific script parameters. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file operations, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to navigate the filesystem outside intended boundaries.
The technical exploitation occurs through manipulation of the tema_dizin parameter within baslik.php and the portal_ayarlarportal_dili parameter in anket_yonetim.php. These parameters control which template directories and language files are included during script execution, but lack proper input validation to prevent directory traversal sequences. Attackers can leverage this weakness by injecting sequences such as ../ or ../../../ to traverse directory structures and access arbitrary files on the server. This type of vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1595.001 for accessing files and directories, and T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage in file inclusion attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it could potentially enable remote code execution depending on the server configuration and file permissions. An attacker could access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, or other system files that should remain protected from unauthorized access. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the portal application by allowing unauthorized file access patterns that bypass normal security controls. This creates a significant risk for organizations using phpKF-Portal 1.10, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization techniques to prevent directory traversal attacks. The recommended approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences such as .. or ..\.. This includes implementing proper whitelisting mechanisms for acceptable parameter values and ensuring that all user-supplied input undergoes thorough sanitization before being used in file operations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious traversal patterns, and ensure that the application runs with minimal required privileges to limit potential damage from successful exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and input validation as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and ISO 27001 security standards.