CVE-2015-2243 in Webshop Hun
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Webshop hun 1.062S allows remote attackers to have unspecified impact via directory traversal sequences in the mappa parameter to index.php.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2022
The CVE-2015-2243 vulnerability represents a directory traversal flaw within the Webshop hun 1.062S web application, exposing a critical security weakness that enables remote attackers to manipulate file access patterns through crafted input parameters. This vulnerability specifically affects the mappa parameter within the index.php script, allowing malicious actors to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and potentially access sensitive files or execute unauthorized operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data from traversing directory paths, creating an attack surface that could lead to information disclosure, system compromise, or unauthorized access to critical application resources.
The technical implementation of this directory traversal vulnerability operates through the manipulation of directory path traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that are passed directly to the application's file handling mechanisms without proper validation. When the mappa parameter receives these sequences, the web application processes them without adequate sanitization, allowing the attacker to move up directory levels and access files outside the intended web root directory. This flaw typically occurs when applications use user input to construct file paths without implementing proper input filtering, path normalization, or access control measures that would prevent such traversal operations from succeeding. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')", which is a well-documented weakness that has been consistently exploited across numerous web applications and frameworks.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2243 extends beyond simple information disclosure, potentially enabling attackers to access sensitive system files, configuration data, database credentials, or application source code that could facilitate further exploitation. Remote attackers could leverage this vulnerability to retrieve system files such as /etc/passwd or /etc/shadow on unix-like systems, or access Windows system files and registry-related data. The unspecified impact mentioned in the vulnerability description suggests that the consequences could range from data theft to complete system compromise, depending on the specific implementation and system configuration. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 "File and Directory Discovery" as attackers can enumerate and access files that should remain protected, and may also enable techniques such as T1078 "Valid Accounts" if sensitive credential files are accessed. The vulnerability also supports lateral movement and privilege escalation activities by providing attackers with access to system configuration files, application logs, or backup files that contain sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2243 should prioritize immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures that prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed by the application. The most effective approach involves implementing strict input validation that rejects or removes special characters such as .., \, /, and other path traversal indicators from user-supplied parameters before they are used in file operations. Organizations should also implement proper access control mechanisms that enforce the principle of least privilege, ensuring that web applications operate with minimal required permissions and cannot access system directories or files outside their intended scope. Additionally, developers should employ secure coding practices such as using whitelisting approaches for file access, implementing proper path normalization, and utilizing framework-level protections that automatically sanitize user input before it reaches file handling functions. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of regular security assessments and code reviews to identify and remediate similar path traversal vulnerabilities across all application components, as this class of vulnerability remains prevalent in web applications due to insufficient input validation and secure coding practices.