CVE-2009-3181 in Gazelle CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Anantasoft Gazelle CMS 1.0 allows remote attackers to overwrite arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the customizetemplate parameter in a direct request to admin/settemplate.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The CVE-2009-3181 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within Anantasoft Gazelle CMS version 1.0 that exposes the system to remote code execution and arbitrary file manipulation. This vulnerability specifically targets the admin/settemplate.php component where user input is not properly sanitized, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to navigate the file system beyond intended boundaries. The flaw manifests when the customizetemplate parameter receives input containing .. (dot dot) sequences that should be restricted but are instead processed directly by the application, allowing attackers to traverse directories and access sensitive files or overwrite critical system components. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it enables remote exploitation without requiring authentication, making it a significant threat to web application security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the administrative interface of the CMS. When a malicious user submits a request to admin/settemplate.php with a crafted customizetemplate parameter containing directory traversal sequences, the application processes these sequences without proper verification or restriction. This processing allows the attacker to specify file paths that extend beyond the intended directory boundaries, potentially leading to overwrite operations on critical system files, configuration files, or even executable components. The vulnerability essentially bypasses the application's intended file access controls, enabling attackers to manipulate the file system in ways that should be restricted. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell and T1566.001 for Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, as attackers can leverage this flaw to upload malicious files or modify existing ones to establish persistent access or execute commands. The lack of proper path validation creates a direct pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and compromise the entire web server.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-3181 extends far beyond simple file access violations, potentially enabling complete system compromise and persistent backdoor establishment. Successful exploitation allows attackers to overwrite core application files, modify configuration settings, or inject malicious code into the CMS, leading to unauthorized access to administrative functions and potential data breaches. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. Organizations running affected versions of Anantasoft Gazelle CMS face significant risk of unauthorized file manipulation, data corruption, or complete system takeover. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access through file modification or upload operations, potentially leading to long-term compromise of the web server environment. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1486 for Data Encrypted for Ransom, as attackers can use file overwriting capabilities to corrupt or encrypt system files, and T1078 for Valid Accounts, since exploitation may lead to unauthorized administrative access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-3181 require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures combined with proper access controls and system hardening. Organizations should implement strict input validation on all parameters received by admin/settemplate.php, particularly rejecting any input containing .. sequences or other directory traversal patterns. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper path validation that ensures all file operations occur within designated safe directories, preventing any traversal beyond intended boundaries. System administrators should also apply the latest security patches from Anantasoft if available, or consider migrating to supported CMS versions that have addressed this vulnerability. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth by filtering out suspicious directory traversal attempts before they reach the application layer. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, as this type of flaw often indicates broader input validation issues. The remediation process should also include implementing proper logging and monitoring of file access operations to detect unauthorized file modifications. According to industry best practices and NIST guidelines, this vulnerability requires immediate attention as it represents a critical security risk that can lead to complete system compromise, making it essential for organizations to prioritize its remediation alongside other critical vulnerabilities in their security posture.