CVE-2009-0340 in Simple PHP Newsletter
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Simple PHP Newsletter 1.5 allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the olang parameter to (1) mail.php and (2) mailbar.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0340 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Simple PHP Newsletter version 1.5. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input within the olang parameter, which is processed by two distinct script files mail.php and mailbar.php. The flaw enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server by manipulating the olang parameter with directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot). This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of input validation and sanitization within the application's file inclusion mechanisms, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to sensitive server resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malicious payload containing directory traversal sequences to the olang parameter in either mail.php or mailbar.php. The application fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before using it in file operations, allowing the attacker to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access files that should remain protected. This flaw directly impacts the application's security model by bypassing normal access controls and potentially exposing sensitive information such as configuration files, database credentials, user data, or system files. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the newsletter application by enabling attackers to retrieve arbitrary files from the server filesystem, which could include not only application-specific data but also system-level information that could be leveraged for further exploitation. The impact is particularly severe because it allows remote code execution potential through access to configuration files or system resources, and it can be exploited without authentication requirements.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-0340 extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential system compromise and data breach scenarios. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive configuration files that may contain database connection strings, API keys, or other credentials that could facilitate further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability also poses a risk to data integrity and confidentiality as it enables access to user information stored within the newsletter system, potentially exposing subscriber lists, personal details, or other sensitive data. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access through path traversal methods, allowing adversaries to move laterally within the affected system and potentially establish persistent access. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target the affected application from outside the network perimeter, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Simple PHP Newsletter face significant risk of unauthorized data access, potential regulatory compliance violations, and possible system compromise that could lead to broader network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-0340 should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization measures within the affected application. The most effective approach involves implementing strict validation of the olang parameter to reject any input containing directory traversal sequences or special characters that could be used to manipulate file paths. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and file inclusion practices that prevent the use of user-supplied input in file operations. The application should be updated to a patched version that addresses the directory traversal vulnerability, as the vendor has likely released security updates to resolve this issue. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection against similar attacks. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper input validation as recommended in OWASP Top Ten security guidelines, particularly focusing on preventing path traversal attacks through proper parameter sanitization and access control enforcement.