CVE-2010-2797 in CMS Made Simple
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in lib/translation.functions.php in CMS Made Simple before 1.8.1 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the default_cms_lang parameter to an admin script, as demonstrated by admin/addbookmark.php, a different vulnerability than CVE-2008-5642.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-2797 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the CMS Made Simple content management system prior to version 1.8.1. This weakness exists in the translation.functions.php file located within the lib directory of the application's codebase. The flaw specifically affects the handling of the default_cms_lang parameter within administrative scripts, creating an avenue for remote attackers to exploit the system through malicious input manipulation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files on the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the CMS Made Simple framework. When an attacker submits a crafted request containing directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation within the default_cms_lang parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize this input before processing. This allows the malicious input to traverse the file system directories and access files that should remain protected. The vulnerability specifically manifests when targeting administrative scripts such as admin/addbookmark.php, which processes user input without adequate security controls. The flaw operates at the application level where user-supplied parameters are directly used in file inclusion operations, creating a path traversal condition that violates standard security practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data exposure, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that can lead to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the web server process. This represents a significant threat to organizations using vulnerable versions of CMS Made Simple, as it provides unauthorized access to critical system resources and can serve as a foothold for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the web application.
Security mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of CMS Made Simple installations to version 1.8.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the directory traversal flaw. Organizations should implement input validation measures that sanitize all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The implementation of proper access controls and privilege separation can help limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in the application codebase. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and represents a classic example of how inadequate input validation can lead to severe security consequences. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a path traversal technique that can be used for privilege escalation and lateral movement within compromised systems. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious parameter patterns that may indicate attempted exploitation of similar vulnerabilities.