CVE-2013-5639 in Gnew
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in users/login.php in Gnew 2013.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the gnew_language cookie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2026
The CVE-2013-5639 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the Gnew content management system version 2013.1 and earlier. This vulnerability exists within the users/login.php script and specifically targets the gnew_language cookie parameter, which is improperly validated and sanitized during processing. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate file access paths by injecting directory traversal sequences, specifically the .. (dot dot) characters, into the cookie value. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the application processes the gnew_language cookie value without adequate input validation or sanitization. When a malicious user submits a cookie containing directory traversal sequences, the application fails to properly restrict file access to the intended directories, allowing unauthorized access to arbitrary files on the server filesystem. This vulnerability enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially read sensitive files such as configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other confidential data that should remain protected. The impact is particularly severe because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools.
The operational implications of CVE-2013-5639 extend beyond simple file reading capabilities, as it can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks within the target environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gather intelligence about the application architecture, identify other potential vulnerabilities, and potentially escalate privileges through the exposure of sensitive configuration data or credentials stored in accessible files. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachment) as it enables attackers to discover system files and potentially gain access to additional attack vectors. Organizations running affected versions of Gnew face significant risks including data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-5639 should focus on immediate patching of the affected application to version 2013.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the directory traversal vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should implement proper input validation and sanitization for all cookie parameters, particularly those used for language selection or other configuration settings. Implementing a whitelist approach for acceptable language values and ensuring proper file access controls can prevent the exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense in depth, though they should not be relied upon as the sole mitigation strategy. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar path traversal vulnerabilities in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.