CVE-2008-6726 in CMScout
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in CMScout 2.06, when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the bit parameter to (1) admin.php and (2) index.php, different vectors than CVE-2008-3415.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2024
The CVE-2008-6726 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting CMScout 2.06 content management system when the PHP register_globals directive is enabled. This vulnerability operates through a fundamental security weakness in input validation mechanisms, specifically targeting the bit parameter in two key administrative scripts. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion paths by exploiting the .. (dot dot) traversal sequence, which allows them to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary local files on the server. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the insecure configuration of register_globals, which automatically creates PHP variables from request data without proper sanitization, creating an attack surface that would otherwise be protected by secure coding practices.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a specific pattern of parameter manipulation where attackers can append directory traversal sequences to the bit parameter in admin.php and index.php scripts. When register_globals is enabled, these parameters become accessible as PHP variables, and the lack of proper input validation allows attackers to construct malicious file paths that bypass normal access controls. The vulnerability specifically targets the file inclusion mechanisms within these administrative interfaces, potentially allowing attackers to read sensitive files such as configuration databases, user credentials, or other system files that should remain protected. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-22, which classifies directory traversal attacks, and represents a classic example of insecure input handling in web applications that fail to validate or sanitize user-supplied data before using it in file operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6726 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the target server, potentially gaining administrative access to the entire CMS installation. The vulnerability's effectiveness is directly tied to the insecure server configuration, making it particularly dangerous in environments where security hardening practices are not properly implemented. Organizations running CMScout 2.06 with register_globals enabled face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The attack vectors differ from CVE-2008-3415, indicating that this represents a distinct but related class of directory traversal vulnerabilities that must be addressed through proper configuration management and input validation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6726 must address both the immediate vulnerability and underlying security configuration issues. The primary recommendation involves disabling the register_globals directive in PHP configuration, as this eliminates the automatic creation of variables from request data and significantly reduces the attack surface. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the affected scripts ensures that any malicious traversal sequences are properly rejected before processing. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious file traversal patterns, while conducting regular security audits to identify other potential vulnerabilities in legacy CMS installations. The remediation process should include updating to supported versions of CMScout, as version 2.06 is outdated and no longer receives security updates, making it particularly susceptible to exploitation by attackers who leverage known vulnerabilities in legacy systems. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining current security configurations and regularly updating software components to prevent exploitation of known weaknesses.