CVE-2009-2223 in LightOpenCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in locms/smarty.php in LightOpenCMS 0.1 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the cwd parameter. NOTE: remote file inclusion attacks may be possible.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2223 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the LightOpenCMS 0.1 content management system, specifically affecting the locms/smarty.php component. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before processing them within the application's file inclusion logic. The flaw manifests when the cwd parameter receives malicious input containing .. (dot dot) sequences that manipulate the intended file path resolution, enabling attackers to traverse the directory structure beyond the intended scope.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability occurs because the application does not adequately validate or sanitize the cwd parameter, allowing attackers to craft malicious requests that manipulate the file system path resolution. When the application processes the cwd parameter without proper sanitization, it can be exploited to include arbitrary local files from the server's file system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This flaw operates through the standard file inclusion mechanisms where the application attempts to load and execute files based on user-provided parameters, creating an attack surface that can be leveraged for unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected server. The ability to include and execute local files opens the door to various malicious activities including but not limited to privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability's potential for remote file inclusion attacks, as noted in the original description, significantly amplifies its threat level, as attackers can potentially upload and execute malicious files through the vulnerable parameter. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by attackers with minimal privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within the CMS environment.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the LightOpenCMS application. The recommended approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e. Additionally, the application should employ secure coding practices that utilize whitelisting mechanisms for file path resolution rather than relying on user-supplied parameters for critical file operations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious directory traversal patterns, and establish regular security auditing procedures to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The implementation of principle of least privilege access controls and regular patch management procedures would further reduce the exploitation risk associated with such vulnerabilities, aligning with best practices outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework for defensive measures against path traversal attacks.