CVE-2014-8676 in Soplanning
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the file_get_contents function in SOPlanning 1.32 and earlier allows remote attackers to determine the existence of arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in a URL path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8676 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the SOPlanning application version 1.32 and earlier. This weakness resides in the file_get_contents function implementation, which fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters containing URL path components. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting .. (dot dot) sequences into URL path parameters, enabling them to traverse the file system hierarchy and access files that should remain protected. The vulnerability specifically affects applications that utilize the file_get_contents function to process user-supplied URL paths without adequate input validation mechanisms.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw occurs when the application directly incorporates user-provided input into file system operations without proper sanitization or validation. The file_get_contents function in PHP is particularly susceptible when used with URLs that contain relative path components, as it will resolve these paths according to the current working directory and potentially allow access to files outside the intended directory structure. This creates an opportunity for attackers to probe the underlying file system and discover the existence of sensitive files or directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to potentially access configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other sensitive data that may be stored on the server. The ability to determine file existence through directory traversal allows threat actors to map the server's file structure and identify potential targets for further exploitation. This vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in environments where the web application has access to sensitive system files or where the application's configuration files contain database connection strings, API keys, or other credentials. The remote nature of this attack means that no local system access is required, making it accessible to anyone who can submit requests to the vulnerable application.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-8676 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization measures within the application code. The most effective approach involves validating and filtering all user-supplied input that is used in file system operations, particularly when constructing paths for file_get_contents calls. Implementing a whitelist-based approach that only allows predetermined, safe characters in path parameters can prevent malicious traversal sequences from being processed. Additionally, applications should employ proper path normalization techniques that resolve relative paths and remove potentially dangerous sequences before processing. The use of secure coding practices such as those recommended in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and the ATT&CK framework's T1083 technique for discovering files and directories provides a comprehensive approach to preventing such vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious path traversal patterns, and ensure that all affected versions of SOPlanning are updated to patched releases that address this specific vulnerability.