CVE-2011-0903 in AR Web Content Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in AR Web Content Manager (AWCM) 2.2 allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files and possibly have other unspecified impact via a .. (dot dot) in the (1) awcm_theme or (2) awcm_lang cookie to (a) index.php or (b) header.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/03/2024
The CVE-2011-0903 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in AR Web Content Manager version 2.2, a web-based content management system that was widely used for enterprise web publishing and content administration. This vulnerability specifically targets the application's handling of user-supplied input through HTTP cookies, creating a pathway for remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the underlying file system. The flaw exists in the cookie parameter processing logic within the index.php and header.php scripts, where the application fails to properly sanitize or validate cookie values before using them in file operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to manipulate file paths through the awcm_theme and awcm_lang cookie parameters, enabling them to navigate directories beyond the intended application scope.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the web application's cookie handling mechanism. When users access the AWCM application, the system reads the awcm_theme and awcm_lang cookie values and uses them to determine which theme or language files to load. However, the application does not adequately filter or sanitize these cookie values, allowing attackers to inject directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) into the cookie parameters. This enables attackers to traverse up the directory tree and access files that should normally be restricted, including system configuration files, database credentials, and other sensitive information. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-22 Directory Traversal Attack according to the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain access to sensitive files including configuration files that may contain database connection strings, administrative credentials, and other system-specific information. The attack surface is particularly wide because the vulnerability affects core application functionality that is frequently accessed during normal operation. The consequences can include unauthorized access to confidential data, potential privilege escalation, and in some cases, complete system compromise if the application runs with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers may use the discovered information to further compromise the system or launch additional attacks.
The exploitation of CVE-2011-0903 requires minimal technical skill and can be accomplished through simple HTTP cookie manipulation, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with unpatched systems. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the critical importance of implementing proper security controls around file system operations. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, proper cookie sanitization, and restricting file system access permissions for web applications. Additionally, the vulnerability underscores the necessity of regular security assessments and patch management processes to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. The flaw also represents a failure in the principle of least privilege, as the application should not be able to access arbitrary files on the server regardless of user input. Security teams should consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious cookie values to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for secure coding practices and proper validation of all user-supplied input, particularly in applications that handle file system operations.