CVE-2008-6884 in XOOPS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in XOOPS 2.3.1, when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the xoopsConfig[language] parameter to (1) blocks.php and (2) main.php in xoops_lib/modules/protector/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/16/2024
The CVE-2008-6884 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting XOOPS content management system version 2.3.1. This vulnerability specifically exploits the insecure handling of user input within the xoopsConfig[language] parameter, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary local file inclusion attacks. The flaw becomes particularly dangerous when the server has register_globals enabled, a PHP configuration setting that automatically creates global variables from GET, POST, and cookie data, significantly expanding the attack surface. The vulnerability manifests in two primary locations within the protector module, namely blocks.php and main.php files located in the xoops_lib/modules/protector/ directory structure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the manipulation of directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation to navigate upward through the file system hierarchy. When an attacker crafts a malicious request containing directory traversal sequences within the xoopsConfig[language] parameter, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before using it in file inclusion operations. This allows the attacker to specify arbitrary local file paths that can be included and executed on the target server. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data, creating a direct path for attackers to access sensitive files, execute malicious code, or potentially gain unauthorized system access.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6884 extends beyond simple file inclusion, as it enables attackers to potentially access critical system files, configuration data, and other sensitive resources that may contain authentication credentials, database connection strings, or other confidential information. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the installation of backdoors that maintain persistent access to the compromised environment.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization measures to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed as legitimate file paths. The most effective immediate fix involves disabling the register_globals PHP configuration option, which eliminates the automatic creation of global variables from external input sources. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization routines specifically for the xoopsConfig[language] parameter, along with restricting file inclusion operations to predefined safe directories, can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious directory traversal patterns, while regularly updating to patched versions of XOOPS that address this specific vulnerability. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and maps to ATT&CK techniques involving file and directory permissions modification and privilege escalation through local file inclusion attacks.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in web applications, particularly when dealing with user-supplied parameters that may be used in file operations. It highlights how legacy PHP configurations like register_globals can create dangerous security implications that persist even when modern security practices are implemented. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities and ensure that all input parameters are properly validated and sanitized before being processed. The remediation process should include not only patching the specific vulnerability but also implementing comprehensive security measures that prevent similar issues from occurring in other parts of the application architecture.