CVE-2009-1405 in Pastel
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in PastelCMS 0.8.0, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the set_lng parameter.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1405 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in PastelCMS version 0.8.0 that exploits a fundamental security weakness in input validation and file inclusion mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php script and occurs when the PHP configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, creating an environment where user-supplied input can be manipulated without proper sanitization. The flaw exists in how the application processes the set_lng parameter, which is used to determine the language settings for the content management system. When an attacker crafts a malicious request containing directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) within the set_lng parameter, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before using it in file inclusion operations. This allows the attacker to navigate through the file system directories and potentially access sensitive files that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and CWE-94 Code Injection categories. The attack vector leverages the lack of proper input validation combined with the absence of magic_quotes_gpc protection, which would normally escape special characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, the application becomes vulnerable to malicious inputs that can manipulate file paths, particularly in functions that perform file operations or include external files. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for arbitrary local file inclusion, meaning that an attacker can potentially include any file that the web server process has read permissions to access. This could include configuration files, database connection details, user credentials, or even system files that contain sensitive information about the server environment and its configuration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the target system. When combined with the directory traversal capability, an attacker can potentially include PHP files that contain malicious code, leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of PastelCMS by allowing unauthorized access to the file system and potentially enabling privilege escalation attacks. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to several techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059 Execution and T1083 Discovery tactics, where adversaries can leverage such flaws to execute commands and explore the target environment. The attack can be executed remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. The vulnerability also impacts the application's integrity and availability, as successful exploitation could lead to data corruption, unauthorized modifications to system files, or complete system takeover. Organizations running PastelCMS 0.8.0 with magic_quotes_gpc disabled are at significant risk of compromise, as this vulnerability can be exploited by automated scanning tools and represents a common attack pattern that has been documented in numerous security advisories and penetration testing reports.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1405 should focus on immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution is to enable magic_quotes_gpc in the PHP configuration or implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Developers should employ whitelisting techniques for language parameters, restricting input to predefined valid values rather than accepting arbitrary strings. Additionally, implementing proper path validation and using secure file inclusion functions such as realpath() or basename() can prevent directory traversal attacks from succeeding. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious directory traversal patterns in HTTP requests. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security configuration and input validation practices, as it demonstrates how a single configuration oversight can create a pathway for complete system compromise. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should include checks for similar directory traversal vulnerabilities in all web applications, particularly those using older versions of content management systems that may not have received security updates. The remediation process should also involve updating to supported versions of PastelCMS where such vulnerabilities have been addressed, as version 0.8.0 is considered outdated and no longer receives security updates. Organizations should implement comprehensive logging and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures that can quickly address such vulnerabilities when they are discovered.