CVE-2009-2037 in Online Grades
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Online Grades & Attendance 3.2.5 and earlier, and possibly 3.2.6, when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the (1) GLOBALS[SKIN] parameter to index.php and the (2) skin parameter to admin/admin.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2037 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Online Grades & Attendance versions 3.2.5 and earlier, with potential impact extending to version 3.2.6. This issue arises specifically when the PHP configuration parameter register_globals is enabled, creating a dangerous condition where user-supplied input can be directly incorporated into the global namespace. The vulnerability manifests through two distinct attack vectors that target different application endpoints, both exploiting the same fundamental weakness in input validation and file handling mechanisms.
The technical exploitation occurs through manipulation of the GLOBALS[SKIN] parameter in the index.php script and the skin parameter in the admin/admin.php script. When register_globals is enabled, attacker-controlled input can be directly injected into the global variable space, allowing malicious actors to craft URLs containing .. (dot dot) sequences that traverse the directory structure. This directory traversal capability enables attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files on the server, effectively bypassing normal access controls and potentially gaining full system control. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22, which specifically addresses Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, making it a classic path traversal attack vector that has been consistently exploited across numerous web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, encompassing potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access configuration files, database credentials, user information, and other sensitive data stored on the server. The attack can be executed remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that do not properly validate or sanitize user input before processing. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential access through the exploitation of file inclusion vulnerabilities. The presence of this vulnerability in the admin panel component specifically increases the risk of privilege escalation and complete system compromise, as administrative functions typically have elevated access rights and can provide attackers with deeper system access.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2009-2037 requires immediate implementation of multiple defensive measures. The most critical step involves disabling the register_globals PHP configuration setting, which eliminates the primary condition enabling this attack vector. Additionally, comprehensive input validation and sanitization must be implemented throughout the application to prevent any user-supplied data from being processed without proper validation. The application should employ strict path validation that prevents directory traversal sequences from being processed, utilizing techniques such as canonicalization and whitelisting of allowed file paths. Security headers and proper access controls should be implemented to restrict file inclusion to only authorized paths, while regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious directory traversal patterns, and maintain up-to-date security patches for the Online Grades & Attendance system to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in preventing file inclusion attacks, as the issue stems from fundamental design flaws in how the application handles user input and processes file operations.