CVE-2009-3825 in GenCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in GenCMS 2006 allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the (1) p parameter to show.php and the (2) Template parameter to admin/pages/SiteNew.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3825 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting GenCMS 2006, a content management system that was widely deployed in web environments during its operational period. This vulnerability manifests through two distinct attack vectors that collectively enable remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The first vulnerability occurs in the show.php script where the p parameter is not properly sanitized, while the second vulnerability exists in the admin/pages/SiteNew.php script with the Template parameter. Both flaws stem from insufficient input validation and improper path handling within the application's file inclusion mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of these vulnerabilities relies on the manipulation of directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation to navigate outside the intended directory structure. When an attacker submits malicious input containing directory traversal sequences through either the p parameter in show.php or the Template parameter in SiteNew.php, the application processes these inputs without adequate validation. This allows attackers to specify arbitrary local file paths that can lead to the inclusion and execution of local files on the server. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" which is a fundamental security flaw in file system access controls.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive files, execute malicious code, and establish persistent access to the affected server. The vulnerability affects the application's administrative interface and public-facing components, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from remote locations without requiring authentication. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1566.001 for "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment" when attackers use these vulnerabilities as initial access vectors.
The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious URLs with directory traversal sequences that target specific file inclusion points within the application. For example, an attacker might construct a URL such as show.php?p=../../../etc/passwd or use similar patterns targeting the Template parameter in SiteNew.php to gain access to sensitive system files or execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability demonstrates a lack of proper input validation and secure file handling practices within the GenCMS 2006 application, which violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and input sanitization. Organizations running affected versions of GenCMS 2006 should immediately implement mitigations including parameter validation, input sanitization, and access control measures to prevent exploitation of these directory traversal vulnerabilities. The recommended approach includes implementing proper path validation, restricting file access permissions, and applying the latest security patches from the vendor if available, though GenCMS 2006 is an outdated system with no current vendor support.