CVE-2009-0286 in OpenGoo
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in upgrade/index.php in OpenGoo 1.1, when register_globals is enabled and magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the form_data[script_class] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0286 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the OpenGoo 1.1 content management system. This security weakness specifically affects the upgrade/index.php component and arises from improper input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability becomes exploitable when the PHP configuration has register_globals enabled and magic_quotes_gpc disabled, creating an environment where user-supplied input can directly influence the application's file handling behavior.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the form_data[script_class] parameter within the upgrade process. When attackers submit malicious input containing .. (dot dot) sequences, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate this input before using it in file operations. This allows adversaries to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. The flaw stems from the application's reliance on user-provided data without adequate filtering or path validation, enabling attackers to craft requests that bypass normal file access controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to read sensitive files that may contain database credentials, configuration settings, application source code, or other confidential information. This can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other vulnerabilities or when sensitive files are accessible through the traversal mechanism. The vulnerability particularly affects systems where the web application runs with elevated privileges, potentially allowing attackers to access files that should normally be restricted to authorized users only.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-22 Directory Traversal and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 File and Directory Discovery, as it enables adversaries to enumerate and access unauthorized files on the target system. The specific conditions required for exploitation - register_globals enabled and magic_quotes_gpc disabled - represent deprecated PHP configurations that were commonly found in older web applications but are now considered insecure practices. Organizations should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the dangers of using deprecated PHP security mechanisms. The remediation approach involves implementing proper parameter validation, using secure coding practices such as whitelisting acceptable values, and ensuring that the application does not rely on insecure PHP configurations. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the need for regular security audits and the importance of keeping applications updated to address known security flaws that could be exploited by threat actors.