CVE-2009-2379 in Bigace Cms
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in public/index.php in BIGACE Web CMS 2.6 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the cmd parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2379 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the BIGACE Web Content Management System version 2.6. This security weakness resides in the public/index.php file and enables remote attackers to manipulate the cmd parameter through the use of .. (dot dot) sequences. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file path navigation, allowing malicious actors to access arbitrary local files on the server. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous as they can be exploited to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
This directory traversal vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The attack vector leverages the fundamental weakness in how the application processes user-supplied input without adequate sanitization, creating a pathway for attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure. The vulnerability operates under the principle that the application fails to validate or filter the cmd parameter before using it to include local files, thereby enabling attackers to craft malicious requests that traverse directory hierarchies.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary local files on the target system. This can result in complete system compromise, data theft, or the installation of backdoors and malware. Attackers can exploit this flaw to access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, or other system files that should remain protected. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for web applications exposed to the internet.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2379 must focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application. The most effective approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that filters out or rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and privilege separation, ensuring that the web application runs with minimal required privileges. Additionally, the implementation of a secure coding framework that enforces proper file inclusion practices, such as using whitelisting approaches or absolute path resolution, can prevent exploitation. This vulnerability highlights the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and following the principle of least privilege in web application development, as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and ensure that input validation mechanisms are consistently applied throughout the software development lifecycle.