CVE-2009-0765 in Kipper
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in Kipper 2.01 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the configfile parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0765 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Kipper 2.01 web application, specifically affecting the index.php script. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied parameters from accessing arbitrary local files on the server. The flaw manifests when the configfile parameter in the index.php script processes directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) without adequate restrictions, allowing attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access sensitive system files.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability enables attackers to exploit the application's file inclusion mechanism by manipulating the configfile parameter to reference files outside the intended directory structure. This flaw operates at the intersection of input validation failures and insecure file handling practices, creating a pathway for remote code execution through arbitrary file inclusion.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected system by including and executing local files. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive configuration files, system files, and potentially gain elevated privileges or extract confidential data from the server. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications handling sensitive data. This vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal access controls and potentially compromise the entire web application and underlying operating system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-0765 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms that prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation that explicitly rejects or removes directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e in file path parameters. The recommended approach includes implementing a whitelist-based validation system that only accepts known good input patterns and rejects any input containing potentially malicious sequences. Additionally, the application should employ proper file access controls and ensure that file inclusion operations are performed within restricted directories that do not allow access to sensitive system files. System administrators should also implement web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious directory traversal attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation could lead to command execution through the arbitrary file inclusion mechanism, and T1566 for spearphishing attachments, as the vulnerability could be exploited through malicious file inclusion payloads. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be implemented to prevent such vulnerabilities from persisting in production environments.