CVE-2008-7254 in Irmin CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in includes/template-loader.php in Irmin CMS (formerly Pepsi CMS) 0.5 and 0.6 BETA2, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the _Root_Path parameter. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-7254 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in Irmin CMS versions 0.5 and 0.6 BETA2 that exploits the dangerous combination of weak input validation and the deprecated register_globals PHP configuration setting. This directory traversal vulnerability specifically affects the includes/template-loader.php component of the content management system, creating a pathway for remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms and execute arbitrary code on the target system. The flaw leverages the .. (dot dot) sequence in the _Root_Path parameter to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access unauthorized files, fundamentally undermining the application's security boundaries and file access controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the dangerous practice of register_globals being enabled on the web server, which automatically creates PHP variables from request parameters without proper sanitization or validation. When an attacker submits a malicious _Root_Path parameter containing directory traversal sequences, the vulnerable template loader fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before using it in file inclusion operations. This creates a classic path traversal attack vector where the attacker can manipulate the application's file resolution mechanism to include and execute files from unintended locations on the server filesystem. The vulnerability falls under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands on the web server, potentially leading to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate application functionality but also compromises the underlying server infrastructure, as attackers can access sensitive files, configuration data, and potentially other applications running on the same server. This type of vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and script injection, and T1566, which addresses credential access through exploitation of vulnerable applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-7254 require immediate action to address both the specific vulnerability and underlying security misconfigurations. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling the register_globals PHP setting in the server configuration, which eliminates the automatic creation of variables from request parameters and significantly reduces the attack surface. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within the template loader component is essential to prevent unauthorized path traversal attempts. Organizations should also consider upgrading to supported versions of Irmin CMS that have addressed this vulnerability, as the affected versions are no longer maintained or receive security updates. The remediation process should include comprehensive security auditing of the application's file inclusion mechanisms and implementation of proper access controls to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system.