CVE-2009-1678 in Bitweaver
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the saveFeed function in rss/feedcreator.class.php in Bitweaver 2.6 and earlier allows remote attackers to create or overwrite arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the version parameter to boards/boards_rss.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-1678 represents a classic directory traversal flaw that exists within the Bitweaver content management system version 2.6 and earlier. This issue specifically affects the rss/feedcreator.class.php component which is responsible for generating rss feeds for the platform's boards module. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the saveFeed function, which processes user-supplied data without proper restrictions on path manipulation attempts. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that include .. (dot dot) sequences in the version parameter of the boards/boards_rss.php endpoint, thereby enabling arbitrary file creation or overwriting operations on the target server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the version parameter that gets processed by the saveFeed function in the feedcreator.class.php file. When the system processes the user-supplied version parameter containing directory traversal sequences, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before using it in file system operations. This lack of proper input validation creates an opportunity for attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access or modify files that should remain protected. The vulnerability is classified as a directory traversal attack that operates at the file system level, allowing attackers to write to arbitrary locations on the server where the Bitweaver application is installed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides attackers with the capability to overwrite critical system files or inject malicious content into the application's file structure. An attacker could potentially overwrite configuration files, inject backdoors, or modify core application components to maintain persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of the Bitweaver platform, as it allows for arbitrary file manipulation that could lead to complete system compromise. The severity is amplified by the fact that this vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
Security professionals should address this vulnerability by implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within the affected Bitweaver installation. The recommended approach includes validating all user-supplied input parameters to ensure they do not contain directory traversal sequences or other malicious patterns before processing them in file system operations. Organizations should also apply the latest security patches provided by Bitweaver developers to address this specific vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and file system permissions can help limit the potential damage from such exploits. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and script injection, as the vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code through file manipulation. The remediation process should also include regular security audits of file handling functions and input validation routines to prevent similar issues from emerging in other parts of the application.