CVE-2008-6833 in cms
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in commsrss.php in fuzzylime (cms) before 3.01b allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in a files array element for a blogs action, as demonstrated by the files[0] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6833 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the fuzzylime content management system prior to version 3.01b. This vulnerability resides in the commsrss.php script which processes blog-related actions through a files array parameter. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms by exploiting improper input validation in the blogs action handling. The vulnerability specifically manifests when attackers craft malicious requests containing dot-dot-slash sequences in the files[0] parameter, allowing them to traverse the file system hierarchy and access arbitrary local files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input within the commsrss.php script. When the system processes the blogs action with a files array parameter, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the array elements before using them in file inclusion operations. This lack of input validation creates an opportunity for attackers to inject directory traversal sequences that bypass normal file access controls. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as a directory traversal attack, where attackers can manipulate file paths to access files outside of the intended directory scope. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through web-based interfaces without requiring special privileges or authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code on the affected system by including and executing local files that should normally be restricted. This capability enables attackers to access sensitive system files, configuration data, database credentials, and other confidential information stored on the server. The vulnerability can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to the underlying operating system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Additionally, attackers can use this flaw to upload malicious files, establish backdoors, or perform further reconnaissance activities. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it affects the core CMS functionality and can be exploited through standard web browser interactions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6833 should prioritize immediate patching of the fuzzylime CMS to version 3.01b or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this directory traversal vulnerability. Organizations should implement input validation mechanisms that strictly sanitize all user-supplied parameters before processing them in file operations. The recommended approach includes implementing proper path validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e. Network security controls should be deployed to monitor for suspicious file access patterns and parameter manipulation attempts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for phishing, as attackers often use such vulnerabilities to establish persistent access and execute malicious payloads. System administrators should also conduct regular security audits and implement principle of least privilege access controls to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.