CVE-2009-2784 in dit.cms
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in dit.cms 1.3, when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the path parameter to index.php in (1) install/, (2) menus/left_rightslideopen/, (3) menus/side_pullout/, (4) menus/side_slideopen/, (5) menus/simple/, (6) menus/top_dropdown/, and (7) menus/topside/; the sitemap parameter to index.php in (8) menus/left_rightslideopen/, (9) menus/side_pullout/, (10) menus/side_slideopen/, (11) menus/top_dropdown/, and (12) menus/topside/; and the (13) relPath parameter to index/index.php. NOTE: PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities reportedly also exist for some of these vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2024
The CVE-2009-2784 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting dit.cms 1.3 systems where the register_globals PHP configuration setting is enabled. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied path parameters before processing them within the application's file inclusion logic. The flaw exists across multiple menu modules within the cms framework, specifically targeting the install directory and various menu implementations including left_rightslideopen, side_pullout, side_slideopen, simple, top_dropdown, and topside menu systems. The vulnerability operates by allowing remote attackers to manipulate path parameters through the use of .. (dot dot) sequences that traverse directory structures and gain access to arbitrary local files on the server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of specific parameters within the affected directories. The path parameter in the install directory and various menu systems accepts directory traversal sequences that bypass normal file access controls. Additionally, the sitemap parameter in multiple menu directories and the relPath parameter in the index/index.php file all present similar vulnerabilities allowing attackers to traverse filesystem paths and include local files. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from request data, making it easier for attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through crafted input. This configuration creates a dangerous environment where user input directly influences global variable scope, enabling the exploitation of path traversal vulnerabilities more readily than in secure configurations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it can lead to complete system compromise through remote code execution. Attackers can leverage these directory traversal flaws to include and execute arbitrary local files on the target system, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data, executing malicious code, or establishing persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's presence across multiple menu modules indicates a systemic design flaw in the application's input handling and file inclusion mechanisms, suggesting that the entire cms framework may be susceptible to similar attacks. This widespread impact makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it affects not just a single component but multiple areas of the application's functionality.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and CWE-88 Argument Injection categories, representing a classic path traversal attack vector that has been consistently documented in security literature. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 Impair Defenses, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code and potentially disable security controls. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it attractive to both skilled and unskilled attackers. The fact that remote file inclusion vulnerabilities reportedly exist for some vectors indicates that the attack surface may be even broader than initially described, potentially allowing attackers to include files from remote servers rather than just local filesystems.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the application's codebase. The most effective immediate fix involves disabling the register_globals PHP configuration setting, which removes the automatic global variable creation that enables this class of attacks. Additionally, developers should implement strict path validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences, particularly .. (dot dot) characters. The application should employ absolute path resolution and implement proper file inclusion controls that prevent arbitrary file access. Input filtering should be implemented at multiple layers including the application framework, web server configuration, and database access controls. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can monitor for and block suspicious path traversal attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper configuration management in preventing such widespread exploitation vectors.