CVE-2014-10037 in DomPHP
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in DomPHP 0.83 and earlier allows remote attackers to have unspecified impact via a .. (dot dot) in the url parameter to photoalbum/index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2025
The directory traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-10037 affects DomPHP version 0.83 and earlier, presenting a critical security risk that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the target system. This vulnerability specifically resides within the photoalbum/index.php script where the url parameter fails to properly validate or sanitize input containing directory traversal sequences. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the application's file access mechanisms by injecting .. (dot dot) sequences into the url parameter, effectively bypassing normal access controls and potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive system files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the DomPHP application's file handling routines. When the application processes the url parameter without proper sanitization, it fails to restrict directory traversal sequences that could navigate outside the intended directory structure. This weakness aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the application's failure to validate user-supplied input before using it in file system operations, allowing malicious actors to craft URLs that traverse directories and access files they should not be permitted to read.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise depending on the application's configuration and the files accessible through the affected script. Remote attackers could leverage this vulnerability to read sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other confidential information stored on the server. The unspecified impact mentioned in the CVE description suggests that the consequences could range from information disclosure to more severe outcomes including privilege escalation or system compromise, particularly if the application is running with elevated privileges or has access to critical system resources.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in relation to ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory and file system discovery, as attackers could use this vulnerability to map the target system's file structure and identify additional attack vectors. The vulnerability also relates to T1078, which covers valid accounts and legitimate credentials, as attackers might use directory traversal to obtain credentials stored in configuration files or other accessible locations. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of DomPHP to version 0.84 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed, implementing proper input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, and applying web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious directory traversal attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify other applications or systems that may be susceptible to similar directory traversal vulnerabilities and ensure that file access controls are properly configured to prevent unauthorized access to system resources.