CVE-2009-2263 in Mega File Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in Awesome PHP Mega File Manager 1.0 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the page parameter. NOTE: in some environments, this can be leveraged for remote file inclusion by using a UNC share pathname or an ftp, ftps, or ssh2.sftp URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
The CVE-2009-2263 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the Awesome PHP Mega File Manager version 1.0 that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary local file inclusion attacks through manipulation of the page parameter. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw exists in the index.php script where user input containing .. (dot dot) sequences is not properly sanitized or validated before being used in file inclusion operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input validation in the file manager's parameter handling mechanism. When an attacker supplies a malicious page parameter containing directory traversal sequences such as ../../etc/passwd or similar paths, the application fails to restrict the file access to predefined directories. This allows attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary local files on the server filesystem. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited to read sensitive system files, execute malicious code, or gain unauthorized access to the underlying operating system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file reading capabilities. In certain environments, attackers can leverage this weakness to perform remote file inclusion attacks by utilizing UNC share pathnames or protocol schemes such as ftp, ftps, or ssh2.sftp URLs. This expansion of attack vectors transforms a local file inclusion vulnerability into a more severe remote code execution threat. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 for Phishing, as attackers often use such vulnerabilities to establish initial access and then escalate privileges within the compromised system.
Security practitioners should recognize that this vulnerability represents a classic example of insufficient input validation and improper access control in web applications. The flaw demonstrates how simple parameter manipulation can lead to catastrophic consequences when applications fail to implement proper sanitization and validation controls. Organizations running this file manager version should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, proper path restriction, and application-level firewall rules to prevent directory traversal attempts. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security assessments and patch management to prevent exploitation of known weaknesses in third-party applications.
The vulnerability also underscores the need for secure coding practices and adherence to web application security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten. Proper implementation of input validation, output encoding, and access control mechanisms could have prevented this vulnerability from being exploited. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security reviews of all web applications to identify similar path traversal vulnerabilities and ensure that file inclusion operations are properly restricted to intended directories. The remediation process should include immediate patching of the affected application, implementation of proper input validation controls, and establishment of monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts.