CVE-2009-1246 in Blogplus
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Blogplus 1.0 allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the (1) row_mysql_blocks_center_down[file] parameter to includes/block_center_down.php; (2) row_mysql_blocks_center_top[file] includes/parameter to block_center_top.php; (3) row_mysql_blocks_left[file] parameter to includes/block_left.php; (4) row_mysql_blocks_right[file] parameter to includes/block_right.php; and row_mysql_bloginfo[theme] parameter to (5) includes/window_down.php and (6) includes/window_top.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-1246 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Blogplus 1.0 software, which falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory. This vulnerability manifests through multiple entry points within the application's file inclusion mechanisms, specifically targeting parameters that handle file paths for dynamic content loading. The core issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters that are directly used in file system operations without proper path restriction enforcement.
The technical exploitation occurs when remote attackers manipulate the row_mysql_blocks_center_down[file], row_mysql_blocks_center_top[file], row_mysql_blocks_left[file], row_mysql_blocks_right[file], and row_mysql_bloginfo[theme] parameters to inject directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation. When these parameters are processed by the affected php files including/block_center_down.php, block_center_top.php, block_left.php, block_right.php, window_down.php, and window_top.php, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before using it in file operations. This allows attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary local files on the server filesystem.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected server. By leveraging the directory traversal capability, an attacker can potentially access sensitive system files, configuration files containing database credentials, or even upload and execute malicious code through the file inclusion mechanisms. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as it provides a foundation for further exploitation. The ability to include and execute local files means that attackers can potentially gain unauthorized access to the server's file system, leading to complete system compromise.
The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and secure coding practices, where user-controllable parameters are directly used in file system operations without proper sanitization or path validation. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, and the impact extends beyond simple information disclosure to full system compromise. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation, use whitelisting approaches for file operations, and ensure that all user-supplied input is thoroughly sanitized before being used in any file system operations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding guidelines and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar issues in web applications.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the affected Blogplus 1.0 software, implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all file path parameters, and applying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious traversal sequences. Additionally, organizations should enforce principle of least privilege for web server accounts and implement proper file system access controls to limit the damage that could result from such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of regular security audits and code reviews to identify and address similar directory traversal issues in other applications and systems.