CVE-2009-2176 in cms
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in fuzzylime (cms) 3.03a and earlier, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via directory traversal sequences in the (1) list parameter to code/confirm.php and the (2) template parameter to code/display.php.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2176 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting fuzzylime content management system versions 3.03a and earlier. This vulnerability specifically exploits the absence of proper input validation when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled on the target web server. The flaw manifests in two distinct attack vectors within the application's code structure, creating multiple pathways for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. Directory traversal vulnerabilities of this nature are particularly dangerous because they allow attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive files or execute malicious code within the application's context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of specific HTTP parameters within the application's request handling mechanism. Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by crafting malicious requests that include directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ../../../ in the list parameter targeting code/confirm.php and the template parameter targeting code/display.php. When the application processes these parameters without adequate sanitization or validation, it allows the attacker to traverse the file system hierarchy and access files that should remain protected. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability leverages the fundamental weakness in input validation where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into file system operations without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-2176 extends beyond simple file access, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that can compromise the entire web server. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, the application becomes particularly vulnerable because PHP's automatic escaping of special characters is not active, leaving input parameters susceptible to manipulation. Successful exploitation allows attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files, which could include malicious scripts, backdoors, or other harmful code that the attacker has uploaded or accessed through the traversal mechanism. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly, potentially allowing attackers to establish long-term access to the compromised system. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that the vulnerability affects core application functionality, making it difficult to isolate and remediate without comprehensive system assessment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of multiple defensive measures. The primary recommendation involves enabling magic_quotes_gpc on the web server configuration or implementing comprehensive input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application code itself. The application should validate all user-supplied parameters against a strict whitelist of acceptable values and reject any input containing directory traversal sequences or special characters. Additionally, implementing proper file access controls and restricting the web application's ability to access system files through the application's execution context is crucial. Security practitioners should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious directory traversal patterns in real-time. This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1213 for data from information repositories, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures across multiple security domains. Regular security auditing and input validation testing should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future versions of the application.