CVE-2009-5093 in Gastebuch
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in gastbuch.php in Gästebuch (Gastebuch) 1.6 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the start parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-5093 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the Gästebuch guestbook application version 1.6. This security weakness resides in the gastbuch.php script which fails to properly validate user input parameters, specifically the start parameter that controls file access operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization mechanisms that permit malicious actors to manipulate file path references through the use of directory traversal sequences such as .. which allows navigation to parent directories beyond the intended scope. This flaw is classified under CWE-22 as Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, a well-documented weakness that has been consistently exploited across various web applications throughout the industry.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malicious payload containing directory traversal sequences within the start parameter of the gastbuch.php script. The application processes this input without proper validation, allowing the attacker to navigate through the file system hierarchy and access sensitive files that should remain protected. This includes system configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and potentially other sensitive information stored on the server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables arbitrary file reading capabilities that can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential privilege escalation depending on the server configuration and file permissions.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for organizations running affected versions of the Gästebuch application. Attackers can leverage this flaw to access not only application-specific files but potentially system files, user data, and configuration information that could be used for further attacks. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of the affected system, as unauthorized access to sensitive data can lead to data breaches, intellectual property theft, and compliance violations. Additionally, the ease of exploitation means that even less sophisticated attackers can potentially exploit this vulnerability, making it a high-risk issue that requires immediate attention. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) as attackers can systematically explore the file system to identify valuable targets.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-5093 should include immediate patching of the affected application to version 1.6.1 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should also implement proper input sanitization measures including strict parameter validation, whitelisting of acceptable input values, and the implementation of secure coding practices that prevent directory traversal attacks. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense in depth, though they should not replace proper application-level fixes. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications and systems. The remediation process should also include monitoring for exploitation attempts and implementing proper access controls to limit the impact of any successful attacks. Security teams should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for web application files and ensure that sensitive information is not stored in locations accessible through the web root directory.