CVE-2008-7176 in Facil CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Facil CMS 0.1RC allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the (1) change_lang parameter to index.php or (2) modload parameter to modules.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-7176 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Facil CMS version 0.1RC, demonstrating a classic security weakness that has persisted across numerous content management systems and web applications. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the application's parameter handling mechanisms, specifically affecting two distinct entry points in the software's architecture. The flaw allows malicious actors to manipulate file paths through carefully crafted requests that exploit the absence of proper sanitization for user-supplied parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of two specific parameters within the Facil CMS framework. When attackers submit requests containing .. (dot dot) sequences in either the change_lang parameter of index.php or the modload parameter of modules.php, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize these inputs before processing file operations. This oversight creates a path traversal condition where the application interprets the malicious input as legitimate navigation instructions, effectively allowing access to files outside the intended directory structure. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-7176 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, potentially enabling attackers to extract sensitive information from the affected system. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to read configuration files, database credentials, source code, or other confidential data stored on the server. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication, making it accessible to any remote user who can interact with the vulnerable web application. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers the discovery of system information through directory listing and file access methods. The implications include potential data breaches, system compromise, and the exposure of critical system components that could facilitate further attacks within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap and the underlying architectural issues that enabled the flaw. The most effective remediation involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file path operations. Applications should employ absolute path validation techniques that reject any input containing directory traversal sequences or special characters that could manipulate file system navigation. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that web applications operate with minimal required permissions and that file access is restricted to designated directories. Security patches should be applied immediately to update the Facil CMS to versions that address this vulnerability, while organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation in web application security, particularly in content management systems where user interaction with file operations is common.