CVE-2009-2923 in PHP-Lance
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in BitmixSoft PHP-Lance 1.52 allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the (1) language parameter to show.php and (2) in parameter to advanced_search.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2923 affects BitmixSoft PHP-Lance 1.52, a web-based classified advertising platform that allows users to post and manage listings. This issue manifests as multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities that enable remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server through manipulation of specific input parameters. The vulnerability exists in two distinct locations within the application's codebase, specifically in the show.php and advanced_search.php scripts where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being used in file operations.
The technical flaw stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the PHP-Lance application. When the language parameter is passed to show.php or the parameter is used in advanced_search.php, the application directly incorporates user-supplied data into file system operations without adequate filtering or normalization. This allows attackers to append directory traversal sequences such as .. to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access files that should remain restricted. The vulnerability is classified as a directory traversal or path traversal issue, which maps to CWE-22 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, representing an insecure direct object reference that enables attackers to access files outside the intended directory scope.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows remote attackers to potentially access sensitive system files, configuration data, and other restricted resources that could contain credentials, database connection details, or application source code. Attackers could exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to the underlying system, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication to exploit and can be executed through simple web requests, making it highly accessible to malicious actors. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachments) as attackers could use the discovered files to further their attack objectives.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters that are used in file operations. The application should normalize all input paths to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed, typically by removing or encoding special characters such as .. and / or \. Additionally, the application should employ a whitelist approach for language parameters and file access operations, restricting access to predetermined, safe values only. System administrators should also consider implementing proper file permissions and access controls to minimize the impact of any successful exploitation attempts. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to a patched version of PHP-Lance or implementing proper input validation mechanisms that prevent the inclusion of directory traversal sequences in file access operations. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments and code reviews to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other applications.