CVE-2009-2220 in Tribiq
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Tribiq CMS 5.0.12c, when register_globals is enabled and magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allow remote attackers to include and possibly execute arbitrary files via directory traversal sequences in the template_path parameter to (1) masthead.inc.php, (2) toppanel.inc.php, and (3) contact.inc.php in templates/mytribiqsite/tribiq-CL-9000/includes; and the use_template_family parameter to (4) templates/mytribiqsite/tribiq-CL-9000/includes/nlarlist_content.inc.php. NOTE: the tribal-GPL-1066/includes/header.inc.php vector is already covered by CVE-2008-4894.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-2220 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Tribiq CMS version 5.0.12c, specifically when the PHP configuration settings register_globals is enabled and magic_quotes_gpc is disabled. This configuration creates a dangerous environment where user-supplied input can be directly interpreted as PHP variables, making the application susceptible to various injection attacks. The vulnerability manifests through multiple entry points within the CMS's template processing system, specifically targeting four distinct include files that handle different aspects of the website's presentation layer.
The technical exploitation occurs through manipulation of the template_path parameter in three files: masthead.inc.php, toppanel.inc.php, and contact.inc.php, all located within the templates/mytribiqsite/tribiq-CL-9000/includes directory structure. Additionally, the vulnerability extends to the use_template_family parameter in the nlarlist_content.inc.php file within the same directory hierarchy. Attackers can craft malicious directory traversal sequences that bypass normal file access controls, allowing them to include arbitrary files from the server filesystem. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a fundamental weakness in input validation and file access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides remote attackers with potential code execution capabilities on the affected server. When combined with the specific PHP configuration settings mentioned, attackers can not only read arbitrary files but also execute malicious code, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the core template processing functionality of the CMS, meaning that successful exploitation could allow attackers to modify website content, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: Unix Shell, where adversaries leverage directory traversal to execute shell commands through vulnerable PHP applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate configuration issues and the underlying software flaws. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling register_globals and enabling magic_quotes_gpc in the PHP configuration, which would prevent the injection of malicious variables into the application's namespace. However, the fundamental fix requires updating the Tribiq CMS to a version that properly validates and sanitizes user input before processing template paths. Organizations should implement input validation controls at multiple layers, including web application firewalls that can detect and block directory traversal patterns, and regular security audits of PHP configuration settings. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper file access controls and the principle of least privilege in web application security, ensuring that applications cannot access files outside of their designated directories. Additionally, implementing proper error handling and logging mechanisms can help detect exploitation attempts and provide forensic evidence for incident response activities.