CVE-2008-6735 in ThaiQuickCart
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in qc/index.php in ThaiQuickCart 3 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the sLanguage cookie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6735 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within ThaiQuickCart 3's qc/index.php component. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data from the sLanguage cookie parameter. The vulnerability specifically manifests when attackers manipulate the sLanguage cookie value to include directory traversal sequences such as .. which allows them to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category known as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')", which is a well-documented weakness in web application security. The flaw enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially read sensitive files that should remain protected, including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential data stored on the server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates remotely without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more severe attacks within the compromised system. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to database connection strings, administrative credentials, and other sensitive configuration data that could facilitate further compromise of the web application and underlying infrastructure. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to execute additional malicious activities such as uploading web shells, modifying application behavior, or establishing persistent access to the compromised system. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachments) as attackers can use the disclosed information to craft more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization measures within the application code. The qc/index.php script must validate and sanitize all user input from cookies, particularly the sLanguage parameter, by implementing strict whitelisting of allowed values or by using secure file access methods that prevent directory traversal attacks. Organizations should also deploy web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious directory traversal patterns in HTTP requests. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application. The remediation process should involve updating ThaiQuickCart to a patched version that properly handles file path validation, implementing proper access controls, and ensuring that the application runs with minimal required privileges to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.