CVE-2009-4231 in SweetRice
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in as/lib/plugins.php in SweetRice 0.5.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via .. (dot dot) in the plugin parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4231 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the SweetRice content management system version 0.5.3 and earlier. This weakness resides in the as/lib/plugins.php file where the application fails to properly validate user input before processing plugin parameters. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization mechanisms that allow remote attackers to manipulate file paths through the use of .. (dot dot) sequences in the plugin parameter, thereby enabling unauthorized access to local files on the server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious requests containing directory traversal sequences such as ../../ or ../../../ within the plugin parameter. The application processes these inputs without adequate validation, allowing the attacker to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access arbitrary local files. This flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability enables attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-4231 extends beyond simple file disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, user information, and potentially gain shell access to the server. The implications are particularly severe for web applications running SweetRice, as successful exploitation could lead to data breaches, service disruption, and full system compromise. This vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, where attackers can execute malicious code through file inclusion mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization measures within the application. System administrators should upgrade to SweetRice versions that have patched this vulnerability, as the original affected versions contain no built-in protections against directory traversal attacks. The recommended approach involves implementing strict input validation that filters out special characters including dots and slashes, employing whitelisting mechanisms for plugin parameters, and ensuring proper file access controls. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify other potential path traversal vulnerabilities within their web applications and follow secure coding practices that prevent similar flaws in future development cycles.