CVE-2009-1748 in Catviz
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in index.php in Catviz 0.4.0 Beta 1 allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the (1) webpages_form or (2) userman_form parameter.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1748 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the Catviz 0.4.0 Beta 1 web application. This issue affects the index.php script and specifically targets two parameter fields named webpages_form and userman_form. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing file operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by injecting .. (dot dot) sequences into these parameters, which allows them to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. The flaw operates at the application layer and demonstrates a classic path traversal vulnerability that has been documented in numerous security frameworks and standards including CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. This vulnerability directly aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers file and directory discovery, as it enables adversaries to enumerate and access sensitive files that should remain restricted.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental weakness in how the application handles file paths when processing user input. When the webpages_form or userman_form parameters contain directory traversal sequences, the application fails to validate or sanitize these inputs before using them in file operations. This allows attackers to craft malicious requests that can traverse up the directory tree and access files outside the intended web root or application directory. The impact extends beyond simple file reading, as attackers may be able to access configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other sensitive data that could lead to further compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication or privileged access, making it a straightforward attack vector that can be exploited by any remote attacker with knowledge of the application's structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant and multifaceted. Successful exploitation can lead to complete information disclosure, potentially exposing sensitive system information, user credentials, or application logic that could aid in subsequent attacks. Organizations running affected versions of Catviz face immediate risk of data breaches, as attackers can access files that may contain database connection strings, application configuration details, or other sensitive artifacts. The vulnerability also poses a risk of privilege escalation if the application has access to files or directories that contain more sensitive data than what is directly accessible through the web interface. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability could result in violations of data protection regulations and security standards that require proper input validation and access controls. The attack surface is particularly broad since the vulnerability affects core administrative functions within the application, potentially allowing attackers to compromise user management or webpage configuration capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1748 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should immediately upgrade to a patched version of Catviz if available, as this represents a critical security flaw that should not be left unaddressed. The primary technical fix involves implementing proper parameter validation that rejects or sanitizes any input containing directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e. This can be achieved through the implementation of allowlists that restrict input to expected values or through comprehensive input sanitization that removes or encodes dangerous characters. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation can help minimize the impact if exploitation occurs, ensuring that even if an attacker successfully traverses directories, they cannot access sensitive files beyond what is necessary for application operation. Network-level mitigations such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional protection, though these should not be considered substitutes for proper code-level fixes. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation in web applications and the necessity of following secure coding practices that prevent common attack patterns such as directory traversal.