CVE-2008-7163 in SineCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in mods/Integrated/index.php in SineCMS 2.3.5 and earlier, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via the sine[config][index_main] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-7163 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the SineCMS content management system version 2.3.5 and earlier. This weakness specifically resides in the mods/Integrated/index.php file and manifests when the PHP configuration parameter register_globals is enabled on the web server. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper parameter handling within the application's core processing logic, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms through crafted HTTP requests.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the sine[config][index_main] parameter which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from HTTP request data, including GET, POST, and COOKIE parameters. This configuration effectively transforms user-supplied input into accessible global variables, allowing attackers to inject malicious file paths that bypass normal access controls. The vulnerability specifically enables attackers to traverse the directory structure and include arbitrary local files, potentially leading to remote code execution or unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations utilizing SineCMS with register_globals enabled. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code on the web server, potentially gaining full administrative control over the affected system. The vulnerability also enables data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and persistence mechanisms that could compromise the entire web infrastructure. The combination of directory traversal capability with the register_globals configuration creates a particularly dangerous attack vector since it effectively removes many of the standard input validation protections that would normally prevent such exploitation attempts.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-94, which covers improper control of generation of code. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for "Server-side Template Injection" and T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" when considering the potential for remote code execution. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through patching the SineCMS application to version 2.3.6 or later, which addresses this vulnerability. Additionally, disabling register_globals in PHP configuration serves as a crucial defensive measure that would significantly reduce the attack surface for this specific vulnerability class.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patch deployment, implementation of web application firewalls to monitor for suspicious parameter patterns, and comprehensive security audits of all PHP applications with register_globals enabled. System administrators must also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other applications that may be similarly affected by this configuration issue. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation, secure coding practices, and the elimination of dangerous PHP configurations that can enable such fundamental security flaws. Regular security monitoring and application updates form essential components of defense-in-depth strategies to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.