CVE-2009-2338 in FreeWebshop
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in includes/startmodules.inc.php in FreeWebshop.org 2.2.9 R2, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the lang_file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2338 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the FreeWebshop.org 2.2.9 R2 e-commerce platform. This weakness exists in the includes/startmodules.inc.php file and specifically exploits the insecure handling of the lang_file parameter when the PHP configuration directive register_globals is enabled. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file path traversal sequences, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the application's file inclusion logic. Directory traversal vulnerabilities of this nature are classified under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious request containing directory traversal sequences such as "../" within the lang_file parameter. When register_globals is enabled, the application's configuration creates a dangerous environment where user-supplied input can directly influence global variables, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries. This configuration allows the attacker to manipulate the application's execution flow by specifying arbitrary local file paths that can lead to the inclusion and execution of unauthorized local files. The vulnerability essentially permits attackers to traverse the file system hierarchy and access sensitive files or execute malicious code on the target server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. This remote code execution vulnerability enables attackers to gain full control over the web server hosting the FreeWebshop application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify the application's functionality, or use the compromised server as a launchpad for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The risk is particularly elevated in environments where register_globals remains enabled, as this configuration is considered deprecated and inherently insecure by modern security standards.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of mitigation to address this vulnerability effectively. The primary recommendation involves disabling the register_globals PHP configuration directive, which immediately eliminates the attack vector by preventing user input from being automatically converted into global variables. Additionally, comprehensive input validation and sanitization mechanisms must be implemented to filter and normalize all user-supplied parameters before they are processed by the application. This includes implementing strict path validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences or special characters that could be used to manipulate file paths. The implementation of proper access controls and least privilege principles should also be enforced to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Security practitioners should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file access patterns and prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003, which covers the use of web shell for remote code execution, and demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in preventing privilege escalation and unauthorized system access.