CVE-2009-2931 in Director
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in p.php in SlideShowPro Director 1.1 through 1.3.8 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via directory traversal sequences in the a parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2931 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting SlideShowPro Director versions 1.1 through 1.3.8. This vulnerability resides in the p.php script which processes user input through the 'a' parameter without adequate sanitization or validation. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate file access paths and retrieve arbitrary files from the server filesystem, potentially exposing sensitive data including configuration files, user credentials, and application source code. Such directory traversal vulnerabilities fall 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 implementation of this vulnerability exploits the absence of input validation in the p.php script where the 'a' parameter directly influences file operations. Attackers can construct malicious paths using directory traversal sequences such as '../' or '..\..\' to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries. When the application processes these crafted inputs, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the paths before attempting file operations, allowing unauthorized access to files outside the web root directory. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple HTTP requests without requiring authentication or specialized tools, making it particularly dangerous for web applications with insufficient input validation mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-2931 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other vulnerabilities or attack vectors. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can access sensitive files such as database configuration files containing database credentials, application source code revealing implementation details, and potentially system configuration files that could aid in further exploitation. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of the affected system, as unauthorized parties can access and potentially modify sensitive data. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachment) as attackers may use the disclosed information to craft more sophisticated social engineering campaigns or exploit additional vulnerabilities within the compromised environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2931 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the affected application. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation that rejects or filters out directory traversal sequences such as '../' or '..\..\' from user inputs before processing. The recommended approach includes implementing a whitelist validation method that only accepts predetermined, safe file paths or using secure file access functions that properly validate and sanitize all input parameters. Additionally, the affected SlideShowPro Director versions should be updated to the latest available patches or upgraded to supported versions that address this vulnerability. System administrators should also implement proper file access controls and restrict the application's file system permissions to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper access control mechanisms in preventing unauthorized file access and maintaining application security posture.