CVE-2008-6734 in Kwa
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Public/index.php in Keller Web Admin CMS 0.94 Pro allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the action parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-6734 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Keller Web Admin CMS version 0.94 Pro, specifically affecting the Public/index.php script. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before processing file inclusion operations. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker manipulates the action parameter through the use of .. (dot dot) sequences, enabling unauthorized access to local files on the server filesystem. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation as classified by CWE-20, which directly relates to CWE-22 for path traversal attacks. The weakness exists in the application's file handling logic where user-controllable input is directly concatenated into file paths without proper sanitization or authorization checks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the target system through local file inclusion techniques. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive system files, configuration data, database credentials, or even system binaries that may be stored locally on the server. The attack vector operates through a simple manipulation of the action parameter, where the .. sequences allow traversal up the directory hierarchy and subsequent inclusion of local files. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting local file inclusion and remote code execution capabilities. The vulnerability can be exploited without authentication in many cases, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2008-6734 follows a predictable pattern where an attacker crafts malicious input containing directory traversal sequences that bypass normal file access controls. When the application processes the action parameter, it fails to validate or sanitize the input before using it in file inclusion operations, allowing the attacker to specify arbitrary local file paths. The vulnerability typically requires no special privileges or authentication to exploit, as it operates at the application level where user input is directly processed without proper access controls. This weakness enables attackers to potentially read sensitive files such as configuration files, database connection details, or even system files that may contain authentication credentials. The vulnerability represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6734 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent directory traversal attacks. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to a newer version of the Keller Web Admin CMS that addresses this vulnerability. The recommended approach includes implementing strict input validation that rejects any input containing .. sequences or other directory traversal patterns. Additionally, the application should employ proper file access controls that restrict file inclusion operations to predefined safe directories and ensure that user input is never directly used in file path construction. Security measures should also include implementing proper access controls, using allowlists for acceptable file operations, and applying principle of least privilege when configuring file system permissions. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious directory traversal attempts, as well as regular security audits and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing remote code execution through file inclusion attacks.