CVE-2009-4050 in phpMyBackupPro
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in get_file.php in phpMyBackupPro 2.1 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via directory traversal sequences in the view parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4050 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the phpMyBackupPro 2.1 web application, specifically within the get_file.php component. This issue enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server by manipulating the view parameter through directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\.. This vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw exists due to inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's file handling routines, allowing malicious users to bypass normal access controls and retrieve sensitive information from the server's file system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious request to the get_file.php script by manipulating the view parameter to include directory traversal sequences. When the application processes these sequences without proper validation, it attempts to open and display files from locations outside the intended directory structure, potentially exposing critical system files, configuration data, database credentials, or other sensitive information. This type of vulnerability represents a fundamental breakdown in input validation practices and demonstrates the importance of implementing proper parameter sanitization and access control mechanisms in web applications. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication to exploit, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can interact with the vulnerable web application.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-4050 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially access database configuration files containing passwords, server configuration files that may reveal system architecture details, or even application source code that could expose additional vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachments) as it enables attackers to gather information about the target system's file structure and potentially obtain sensitive data that could be used for further attacks. The vulnerability also represents a significant risk to data confidentiality and system integrity, as it allows unauthorized access to potentially sensitive files that should remain protected within the application's restricted file access environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4050 should focus on implementing robust input validation and parameter sanitization measures within the phpMyBackupPro application. The most effective approach involves implementing proper path validation that ensures all file access requests are confined to predetermined directories and that directory traversal sequences are explicitly blocked or neutralized. Organizations should also consider implementing a principle of least privilege for file access operations, ensuring that the application only has access to necessary files and directories. Additionally, regular security updates and patches should be applied to address known vulnerabilities, with a particular emphasis on updating legacy applications like phpMyBackupPro 2.1 that may no longer receive security support. Implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules can provide additional layers of protection against such attacks, while monitoring and logging file access attempts can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding practices, including the use of allowlists for acceptable file paths and proper error handling to prevent information leakage during file access operations.