CVE-2009-1847 in Easy PX 41
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in Easy PX 41 CMS 9.0 B1 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the fiche parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1847 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Easy PX 41 CMS version 9.0 B1, specifically affecting the index.php script. This weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing. The vulnerability manifests when the application accepts a fiche parameter that contains directory traversal sequences, allowing malicious actors to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary local files on the server. The flaw is classified under CWE-22 as a "Directory Traversal" vulnerability, which directly enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially execute unauthorized operations. This type of vulnerability falls within the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter" as attackers can leverage the file inclusion capability to execute arbitrary code on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the fiche parameter in the index.php script, where the application fails to validate or sanitize the input containing .. (dot dot) sequences. When these sequences are processed, they allow attackers to traverse up the directory hierarchy and access files that should remain protected within the application's restricted paths. The impact extends beyond simple file disclosure to potentially enable remote code execution, depending on the server configuration and the files that can be accessed through the traversal mechanism. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to read sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential data that may be stored on the server. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local system access or authentication to leverage the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in web-facing applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-1847 is severe and multifaceted, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data breaches. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized access to sensitive information, modification of application files, and establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform reconnaissance activities by accessing system files and configuration data, which can then be used to plan more sophisticated attacks. Organizations running affected versions of Easy PX 41 CMS face significant risk of data exfiltration, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers can potentially install malware, modify web content, or establish command and control channels. This type of vulnerability also impacts the application's integrity and availability, as attackers can modify critical files or inject malicious content that affects legitimate users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1847 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application code. The most effective approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects or filters out directory traversal sequences before they can be processed by the application. Organizations should implement whitelisting mechanisms that only allow specific, expected file paths rather than accepting arbitrary user input. Additionally, the application should be configured to run with minimal privileges and access rights, limiting the potential damage from successful exploitation. Security patches should be applied immediately if available, as this vulnerability has been widely known and documented since its discovery. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by detecting and blocking suspicious traversal patterns in incoming requests. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application, and the system should be monitored for unauthorized access attempts or anomalous file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.