CVE-2015-4180 in phpMyBackupPro
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in get_file.php in phpMyBackupPro 2.1 through 2.4 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the view parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information. NOTE: this vulnerability exists due to an incomplete fix to CVE-2009-4050.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2019
The directory traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4180 affects phpMyBackupPro versions 2.1 through 2.4, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system. This vulnerability specifically resides in the get_file.php component and exploits a weakness in how the application processes the view parameter, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths through the use of .. (dot dot) sequences. The issue stems from an incomplete remediation of a previously discovered vulnerability CVE-2009-4050, indicating that the initial fix was insufficient to completely address the underlying directory traversal problem. This represents a classic security regression where a partial solution introduces new attack vectors while failing to eliminate the original vulnerability.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the application's failure to properly sanitize or validate user input when processing the view parameter in get_file.php. When an attacker submits a crafted request containing .. sequences in the view parameter, the application processes these inputs without adequate path validation, allowing the traversal to occur. This enables attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access files that should remain protected, potentially including sensitive configuration files, database credentials, or other system resources. The vulnerability operates at the file system level, making it particularly dangerous as it can expose not only application files but also system files that may contain critical information. From a cybersecurity 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 attack pattern follows established methodologies described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically focusing on file and directory access.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4180 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, potentially enabling attackers to extract sensitive information, compromise system integrity, and facilitate further attacks within the affected environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read configuration files that may contain database connection strings, API keys, or other credentials that could be used for privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local system access to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are exposed to untrusted networks. Organizations running affected versions of phpMyBackupPro face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations, especially in environments where the application handles sensitive data or serves as a backup solution for critical systems. The vulnerability also represents a potential vector for attackers to gather intelligence about the target system, potentially leading to more sophisticated attacks targeting other components within the same infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through patching or upgrading to versions that properly address the directory traversal issue. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures to prevent manipulation of file path parameters, ensuring that all user-supplied inputs are properly validated against expected patterns and restricted to authorized directories. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable applications to untrusted networks, while application-level firewalls or web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues within the application stack, particularly focusing on path traversal vulnerabilities in file handling components. The remediation process should also include thorough testing to ensure that the fix does not introduce new functionality issues or break existing legitimate operations. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect suspicious file access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining up-to-date security patches and following secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future development cycles.