CVE-2009-2109 in FretsWeb
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in FretsWeb 1.2 allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files via directory traversal sequences in the (1) language parameter to charts.php and the (2) fretsweb_language cookie parameter to unspecified vectors, possibly related to admin/common.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2109 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting FretsWeb 1.2 software, which operates as a web-based music chart management system. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's handling of user-supplied data, specifically in how the software processes language parameters and cookie values. The issue manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize or validate user input before using it to construct file paths, creating opportunities for malicious actors to access files outside the intended directory structure.
The technical exploitation occurs through two primary vectors that demonstrate the breadth of the vulnerability's impact. The first vector involves manipulation of the language parameter within the charts.php script, where an attacker can inject directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to navigate upward through the file system hierarchy. The second vector targets the fretsweb_language cookie parameter, which can be manipulated to achieve similar directory traversal effects through unspecified vectors that likely involve the admin/common.php component. Both attack paths exploit the same fundamental flaw in input validation, where the application directly incorporates user-supplied values into file access operations without proper sanitization or normalization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with unrestricted access to the underlying file system of the affected server. This exposure could enable attackers to read sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other critical system files that may contain authentication tokens, encryption keys, or other confidential information. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its remote nature, meaning attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit the flaw. This characteristic aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of credential access and privilege escalation, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. This classification indicates that the flaw occurs when applications fail to properly validate or sanitize user input before using it in file system operations. The weakness creates a direct pathway for attackers to bypass intended access controls and potentially execute more sophisticated attacks such as remote code execution if the application's file access mechanisms are further leveraged. Security professionals should note that directory traversal vulnerabilities often serve as initial footholds for broader attacks, as they typically provide attackers with sufficient information to plan subsequent exploitation phases.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the application. The most effective immediate fix involves normalizing all user input by removing or encoding directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ before processing. Additionally, implementing a whitelist approach for language parameters and cookie values would prevent arbitrary input from being processed. The application should also employ proper file system access controls, ensuring that file operations occur within predetermined safe directories and that no user-supplied input directly influences path construction. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules to detect and block suspicious traversal sequences. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and to ensure that input validation measures remain effective against evolving attack techniques.