CVE-2009-3824 in PHP Content Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in include/processor.php in Greenwood PHP Content Manager 0.3.2 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the content_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3824 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Greenwood PHP Content Manager version 0.3.2. This security weakness resides in the include/processor.php file and enables remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms through crafted input parameters. The specific vulnerability manifests when the content_path parameter contains directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation, which allows attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary local files on the server filesystem.
This directory traversal vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw occurs because the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations. When the content_path parameter is processed without adequate input sanitization, the application treats the .. sequences as legitimate navigation instructions rather than malicious input, thereby allowing access to files that should remain protected within the application's restricted directory hierarchy.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the target system. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, user authentication data, and other critical system resources that are stored locally on the server. The remote nature of this attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications exposed to internet traffic.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 sub-technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and broader execution techniques that involve leveraging web application vulnerabilities to achieve remote code execution. The attack chain typically involves initial reconnaissance to identify the vulnerable application, followed by crafting malicious payloads containing directory traversal sequences that bypass access controls and gain unauthorized access to system resources. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates how insufficient input validation can create pathways for attackers to escalate privileges and access sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-3824 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the application codebase. The primary defense involves ensuring that all user-supplied input parameters undergo strict validation before being used in file inclusion operations. Applications should implement whitelisting approaches where only predefined, safe paths are permitted for file access, or alternatively, implement comprehensive input sanitization that removes or encodes potentially dangerous sequences such as .. and /../. Additionally, the application should employ proper access controls and privilege separation, ensuring that the web application operates with minimal required permissions and that file inclusion operations are restricted to specific, designated directories. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack.