CVE-2009-0729 in Page Engine CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Page Engine CMS 2.0 Basic and Pro allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via directory traversal sequences in the fPrefix parameter to (1) modules/recent_poll_include.php, (2) modules/login_include.php, and (3) modules/statistics_include.php and (4) configuration.inc.php in includes/. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0729 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Page Engine CMS 2.0 Basic and Pro versions. This security weakness stems from insufficient input validation in multiple include files within the CMS architecture, creating opportunities for remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically targets the fPrefix parameter across four distinct files including modules/recent_poll_include.php, modules/login_include.php, modules/statistics_include.php, and includes/configuration.inc.php, making it particularly dangerous due to its widespread impact across core CMS functionality.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on directory traversal sequences that allow attackers to manipulate the file inclusion process. When the fPrefix parameter receives malicious input containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, the CMS fails to properly sanitize these inputs before using them in file inclusion operations. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The vulnerability exists because the application does not adequately validate or sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into file system operations, allowing attackers to access arbitrary local files on the server.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents severe consequences for affected systems as it enables remote code execution capabilities through file inclusion attacks. Attackers can leverage this weakness to include and execute arbitrary local files, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive system resources, database credentials, or configuration files. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure to include full system compromise, as the ability to execute arbitrary code through file inclusion represents a fundamental breach of application security. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications that rely on dynamic file inclusion for modular functionality, making it a significant concern for content management systems and web applications with similar architectural patterns.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations running Page Engine CMS 2.0 Basic and Pro should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameter sanitization, and access control measures. The recommended approach involves implementing proper input validation to reject directory traversal sequences, applying the principle of least privilege for file access permissions, and ensuring that all user-supplied inputs are properly sanitized before being processed. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious directory traversal patterns in their network traffic to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in preventing directory traversal attacks, which remain a persistent threat in web application security.