CVE-2016-10085 in Piwigo
Summary
by MITRE
admin/languages.php in Piwigo through 2.8.3 allows remote authenticated administrators to conduct File Inclusion attacks via the tab parameter.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10085 affects Piwigo version 2.8.3 and earlier, representing a critical file inclusion flaw within the administrative interface. This issue resides in the admin/languages.php script which processes user input through the tab parameter without adequate sanitization or validation. The vulnerability specifically targets authenticated administrator accounts, meaning that an attacker must first gain administrative access to the system, though this represents a significant escalation path once achieved. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the tab parameter in a way that could lead to arbitrary file inclusion attacks, potentially allowing execution of malicious code or unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the Piwigo administrative panel. When administrators navigate through different sections of the language management interface, the tab parameter is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without sufficient sanitization. This creates a classic path traversal and file inclusion vulnerability where attacker-controlled input can be used to reference arbitrary files on the server. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-94, which covers execution of arbitrary code through code injection. The flaw demonstrates a lack of proper input validation and output encoding practices that are fundamental to secure coding standards.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe for systems running affected versions of Piwigo, particularly those with publicly accessible web interfaces. An authenticated attacker with administrative privileges could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack vector requires only a single parameter manipulation within the administrative interface, making it relatively easy to exploit once an attacker has administrative credentials. This vulnerability could enable attackers to access sensitive system files, modify or delete content, install backdoors, or escalate privileges further within the compromised environment. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to potential data exfiltration and persistent access to the affected system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10085 focus on both immediate patching and defensive measures. The primary solution involves upgrading to Piwigo version 2.8.4 or later, which includes fixes for this specific vulnerability through proper input validation and sanitization of the tab parameter. Organizations should implement strict access controls and monitoring for administrative interfaces to detect unauthorized access attempts. Network segmentation and firewall rules should limit access to administrative panels to trusted IP addresses only. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring tools can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices including input validation, parameterized queries, and principle of least privilege. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scans to identify similar issues within their web applications, as this vulnerability pattern is commonly found in legacy systems that lack proper security controls. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through code injection, emphasizing the need for layered security approaches that prevent both initial compromise and subsequent exploitation.