CVE-2009-3823 in Mobilelib GOLD
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in myhtml.php in Mobilelib GOLD 3.0, when magic_quotes_gpc is enabled, allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the GLOBALS[page] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-3823 represents a directory traversal flaw within the Mobilelib GOLD 3.0 web application that specifically affects systems where magic_quotes_gpc is enabled. This issue resides in the myhtml.php script and exploits a weakness in input validation that occurs when processing the GLOBALS[page] parameter. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker manipulates the page parameter to include directory traversal sequences such as .. which allows them to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access files that should remain restricted.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category known as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')", which is a well-documented security weakness that has been consistently identified as a critical threat in web applications. The attack vector specifically targets the application's handling of user-supplied input without proper sanitization or validation, creating an opportunity for unauthorized file access. The vulnerability's exploitation becomes possible due to the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize the GLOBALS[page] parameter before using it to construct file paths.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files from the server's filesystem, potentially exposing sensitive data, configuration files, or even system credentials. When magic_quotes_gpc is enabled, the vulnerability becomes more pronounced because the application's input handling becomes inconsistent and predictable, providing attackers with a more reliable method for exploiting the directory traversal flaw. This weakness can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, and unauthorized access to confidential information stored on the affected server.
The attack pattern typically involves constructing malicious URLs with the GLOBALS[page] parameter containing sequences like ../../../etc/passwd or similar traversal patterns to access sensitive system files. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Social Engineering) as attackers often use such flaws to discover system information and potentially escalate privileges. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, including the use of allowlists for acceptable file paths, proper access controls, and regular security assessments to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited in production environments.