CVE-2008-6960 in X10 Automatic Mp3 Script
Summary
by MITRE
download.php in X10media x10 Automatic Mp3 Search Engine Script 1.5.5 through 1.6 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via an encoded url parameter, as demonstrated by obtaining database credentials from includes/constants.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6960 affects the X10media x10 Automatic Mp3 Search Engine Script version 1.5.5 through 1.6, specifically within the download.php component. This represents a classic arbitrary file inclusion vulnerability that allows remote attackers to access sensitive files on the server through manipulation of URL parameters. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file access paths, creating a direct pathway for unauthorized data retrieval.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the download.php script processes user-supplied URL parameters without proper validation or encoding checks. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs that contain encoded file paths, enabling them to traverse the file system and access files that should remain protected. The demonstration of this exploit shows how database credentials stored in includes/constants.php can be retrieved, highlighting the severe implications of such a vulnerability. This type of flaw maps directly to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments, though in this case the attack vector is more specifically a web application vulnerability exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with complete access to the application's internal file structure and potentially sensitive configuration data. Database credentials obtained through this method could enable attackers to perform data exfiltration, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the application environment. The affected script's architecture appears to lack proper input validation and access control mechanisms, making it susceptible to various forms of file system manipulation. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications that dynamically construct file paths based on user input without proper sanitization, creating a direct attack surface for malicious actors seeking to compromise the application's integrity and confidentiality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6960 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization measures within the download.php script. The primary defense involves ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are properly validated against a whitelist of acceptable values or that any path traversal attempts are explicitly blocked through proper encoding and path normalization. Organizations should implement proper access controls that restrict file access to only authorized components and prevent directory traversal attacks. Additionally, the application should employ secure coding practices that avoid direct user input in file path construction, instead using predefined safe paths or implementing proper input filtering mechanisms. The fix should also include comprehensive logging of file access attempts to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and secure file handling practices in web applications, aligning with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and other industry standards for preventing path traversal attacks.