CVE-2008-6901 in 2532gigs
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in 2532designs 2532|Gigs 1.2.2 Stable, when register_globals is enabled and magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the language parameter to (1) settings.php, (2) deleteuser.php, (3) mini_calendar.php, (4) manage_venues.php, and (5) manage_gigs.php, a different vector than CVE-2007-4585.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6901 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting the 2532designs 2532|Gigs 1.2.2 Stable web application. This vulnerability specifically exploits the insecure handling of user input parameters within multiple PHP scripts, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The flaw manifests when the web server configuration enables register_globals while disabling magic_quotes_gpc, creating an environment where user-supplied data can be directly interpreted as PHP variables without proper sanitization. The vulnerability affects five distinct PHP files including settings.php, deleteuser.php, mini_calendar.php, manage_venues.php, and manage_gigs.php, all of which process the language parameter without adequate validation or sanitization mechanisms. This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, specifically classified as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')", which is a fundamental weakness in input validation that has been consistently exploited across numerous web applications. The attack vector leverages the .. (dot dot) sequence to navigate upward through the directory structure, allowing attackers to access files outside the intended web root directory.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables full remote code execution capabilities when combined with the vulnerable server configuration. Attackers can leverage this flaw to include and execute arbitrary local files, potentially gaining complete control over the web server and its underlying operating system. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal prerequisites beyond having register_globals enabled and magic_quotes_gpc disabled, which were common configurations in older PHP environments. The affected scripts process the language parameter in a manner that directly incorporates user input into file inclusion operations, creating a classic path traversal attack scenario. This vulnerability is distinct from CVE-2007-4585, indicating that it represents a separate attack vector despite targeting similar application components. The specific PHP files affected represent core administrative and configuration functions within the 2532|Gigs application, meaning successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or unauthorized modifications to the web application's functionality. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple script files suggests a systemic design flaw in how the application handles user input for language selection, indicating inadequate input validation and sanitization practices throughout the codebase.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security flaw and the underlying server configuration issues that enable exploitation. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling register_globals in the PHP configuration, as this eliminates one of the primary conditions necessary for exploitation. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the affected scripts is essential, including the use of allowlists for language parameters and proper path validation before any file inclusion operations. The application should employ absolute path resolution and implement proper directory restrictions to prevent traversal beyond intended directories. Security measures should also include the implementation of input filtering mechanisms that reject or sanitize any sequences containing .. characters in file path parameters. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious path traversal patterns, as well as regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in web application development. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1078.004 (Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts) when combined with successful exploitation, as attackers can leverage the executed code to establish persistence and maintain access to compromised systems. The vulnerability also aligns with T1566.001 (Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment) as attackers might use this flaw to execute malicious payloads through compromised user interactions with the vulnerable web application. Proper patch management and configuration hardening are essential to prevent exploitation, as this vulnerability has existed in widely deployed software versions and represents a classic example of how insecure server configurations can lead to catastrophic security failures.