CVE-2009-1445 in Ivano Culmine
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in WebPortal CMS 0.8-beta allow remote attackers to (1) read arbitrary files via directory traversal sequences in the lang parameter to libraries/helpdocs/help.php and (2) include and execute arbitrary local files via directory traversal sequences in the error parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1445 affects WebPortal CMS version 0.8-beta and represents a critical directory traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to access sensitive system resources and potentially execute malicious code. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the application's parameter handling mechanisms, specifically impacting two distinct entry points within the software's codebase. The flaw manifests through improper sanitization of user-supplied input parameters that are directly incorporated into file system operations without adequate security checks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability operates through two primary attack vectors that leverage the same underlying weakness in input validation. The first vector targets the lang parameter within libraries/helpdocs/help.php, where directory traversal sequences can be injected to read arbitrary files from the server's file system. This allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially retrieve sensitive configuration files, database credentials, or other confidential data stored on the server. The second vector exploits the error parameter in index.php, enabling attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files through directory traversal techniques, which can lead to remote code execution capabilities. Both vectors demonstrate the same fundamental flaw where user-controllable input directly influences file system operations without proper validation or sanitization.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for systems running the affected WebPortal CMS version. Attackers can leverage these flaws to gain unauthorized access to server resources, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The ability to read arbitrary files exposes sensitive data that could include database connection strings, administrative credentials, or application source code that may reveal additional vulnerabilities. The local file inclusion capability presents even greater risks as it allows for remote code execution, potentially enabling attackers to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or deploy malware on the compromised system. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the CWE catalog under CWE-22, which addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The exploitation of these vulnerabilities aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1059 category for command and scripting interpreter and T1083 for file and directory permissions modification. The attack patterns demonstrate the classic characteristics of path traversal attacks that have been consistently documented in security literature since the early 2000s, with this particular vulnerability serving as a textbook example of how insufficient input validation can lead to severe security consequences. Organizations running this version of WebPortal CMS face immediate risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations due to the exposure of sensitive information and lack of proper access controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1445 should prioritize immediate remediation through software updates to the latest available version of WebPortal CMS that addresses these directory traversal vulnerabilities. System administrators should implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the application code to prevent user-controllable parameters from influencing file system operations. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with rules specifically designed to detect and block directory traversal attempts can provide additional layers of protection. The implementation of principle of least privilege access controls and regular security audits of application code can help identify and prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system infrastructure. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect similar path traversal patterns in their codebase to prevent future occurrences of such security flaws.