CVE-2009-4700 in Online Dating Software
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in SkaDate Dating allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the layout parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4700 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the SkaDate Dating platform's index.php script. This weakness specifically manifests when the application processes the layout parameter without adequate input validation, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to manipulate file access requests. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input, allowing attackers to exploit the directory traversal mechanism through the use of .. (dot dot) sequences in the layout parameter.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability places the application at risk of unauthorized file access across the server's file system. When a user submits a request containing a .. sequence in the layout parameter, the application fails to validate or sanitize this input before using it to construct file paths. This oversight enables attackers to navigate upward through the directory structure and access files that should remain protected, potentially including sensitive configuration files, database credentials, or other system resources. The flaw operates at the application level rather than the operating system level, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring direct system access or elevated privileges.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations deploying SkaDate Dating platforms. Attackers could leverage this weakness to extract sensitive information such as database connection strings, administrator credentials, or other confidential data stored within the application's file structure. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise through the acquisition of additional credentials or access to system files that could be used for further attacks. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack vector follows established patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework under the technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential access through various means including file system access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4700 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application. The most effective approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and file system permissions to limit the impact of any potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, the application should employ secure coding practices including the use of allowlists for valid layout parameters and proper path normalization techniques. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts, while comprehensive monitoring of file access patterns can help detect potential abuse of this vulnerability. Organizations should also ensure that all application components are kept up to date with the latest security patches and that proper security configurations are implemented to minimize the attack surface available to potential adversaries.