CVE-2009-3515 in d.net CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in dnet_admin/index.php in d.net CMS allows remote authenticated administrators to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the type parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-3515 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the d.net content management system that specifically affects the administrative interface. This issue resides in the dnet_admin/index.php component where the application fails to properly validate user input parameters, creating an avenue for attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that an attacker who has already gained administrative credentials can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input sanitization within the type parameter handling mechanism. When an administrator accesses the d.net CMS administrative interface, the system processes the type parameter without adequate validation or sanitization, allowing maliciously crafted directory traversal sequences to be interpreted as legitimate file paths. This flaw aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes directory traversal vulnerabilities as weaknesses that occur when input data contains sequences that allow access to files outside the intended directory. The .. (dot dot) sequences in the type parameter effectively bypass normal file access controls by navigating up the directory structure, potentially enabling access to sensitive system files, configuration data, or other administrative resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple file access, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the target system. Once an authenticated administrator is compromised, the attacker can leverage this directory traversal vulnerability to include and execute local files, potentially gaining complete control over the CMS installation and underlying server. This attack vector represents a significant escalation from standard administrative privileges to system-level access, as the attacker can manipulate core system files, modify administrative credentials, or install backdoors. The vulnerability essentially transforms a legitimate administrative interface into a potential weapon for system compromise, making it particularly attractive to threat actors who have already established initial access to administrative accounts.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and privilege separation in web application security. The attack pattern follows principles outlined in the ATT&CK framework under the T1059 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as the exploitation allows for arbitrary command execution. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the need for proper secure coding practices that address path traversal issues through input validation, output encoding, and secure file access mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive security measures including regular code reviews, input validation testing, and privileged access monitoring to prevent such issues from being exploited. The remediation process requires immediate patching of the d.net CMS to properly validate and sanitize all user-supplied input parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations, with additional security controls such as web application firewalls and privilege limiting measures to reduce the potential impact of similar vulnerabilities in the future.