CVE-2009-2222 in PHP-I-BOARD
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in PHP-I-BOARD 1.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via directory traversal sequences in unspecified vectors, probably related to mail.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2222 represents a directory traversal flaw affecting PHP-I-BOARD versions 1.2 and earlier, specifically impacting the mail functionality of the application. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and directory traversal attacks that have been consistently documented in cybersecurity frameworks including CWE-22 and CWE-23. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server by manipulating input parameters that control file access operations, potentially exposing sensitive system information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the mail processing components of PHP-I-BOARD. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that bypass proper access controls and allow unauthorized file access. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that the vulnerability may be present in multiple entry points within the mail handling functionality, making it particularly dangerous as it could be exploited through various communication channels or interfaces. This weakness directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates poor input sanitization practices that are commonly associated with insecure coding patterns.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-2222 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise if attackers can access critical system files, configuration data, or database credentials. The vulnerability enables attackers to read files that should normally be restricted, including but not limited to application source code, configuration files, user data, and potentially system-level information. In the context of mail functionality, this could allow adversaries to access email contents, user credentials, or other sensitive data stored within the application's file system. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly attractive to attackers seeking to compromise web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization measures within the mail processing components of PHP-I-BOARD. The most effective approach involves implementing strict input filtering that rejects or escapes directory traversal sequences before they can be processed by the application. Organizations should also consider implementing proper access controls, restricting file system access to only necessary operations, and applying the principle of least privilege to limit the application's file access capabilities. Additionally, this vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews to identify similar insecure coding practices. The remediation process should include updating to a patched version of PHP-I-BOARD if available, or implementing proper input validation and output encoding techniques that prevent directory traversal attacks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachment) as attackers may use this weakness to discover sensitive files and potentially gain access to email attachments or other system resources. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern.