CVE-2008-7027 in Php Filemanager
Summary
by MITRE
Libra File Manager 1.18 and earlier allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and gain privileges by setting the user and pass cookies to 1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-7027 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within Libra File Manager version 1.18 and earlier. This issue stems from improper validation of authentication credentials, specifically when handling cookie-based session management. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to the file manager by manipulating two specific cookies named user and pass, setting both to the value of 1. This particular implementation flaw demonstrates a fundamental failure in the application's security design where the system accepts any value for these cookies without proper verification, effectively creating a backdoor access mechanism.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates as a classic weak authentication mechanism that falls under the category of credential bypass attacks. The flaw exists in the application's cookie validation logic where it does not properly validate or sanitize the user and pass cookie values before granting access. When these cookies are set to 1, the system interprets this as valid authentication credentials, bypassing all normal authentication checks and access controls. This behavior creates a persistent vulnerability that can be exploited by any remote attacker without requiring valid user credentials or knowledge of actual passwords.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data compromise and system control. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain full administrative privileges within the file manager, allowing them to upload, download, modify, or delete files, potentially accessing sensitive data or establishing persistent access to the system. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system or knowledge of legitimate user credentials. This vulnerability directly violates security principle of least privilege and demonstrates poor implementation of access control mechanisms.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems, and represents a clear violation of the principle that authentication mechanisms should be robust and resistant to manipulation. The attack pattern corresponds to techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the credential access category, specifically targeting weak authentication mechanisms and cookie manipulation. Organizations should implement proper input validation, secure cookie handling, and robust authentication mechanisms to prevent such vulnerabilities. The fix for this issue requires proper validation of cookie values, implementation of secure session management, and removal of any hardcoded or trivial authentication values that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The remediation approach should involve updating the Libra File Manager to a version that properly validates authentication credentials and implements secure cookie management practices. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive security testing including penetration testing and code review processes to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper authentication implementation and the potential consequences of inadequate security controls in web applications.