CVE-2008-0287 in vcart
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in VisionBurst vcart 3.3.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the abs_path parameter to (1) index.php and (2) checkout.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0287 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the VisionBurst vcart 3.3.2 e-commerce platform. This vulnerability exists due to improper input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters, specifically the abs_path parameter that is processed in two key files: index.php and checkout.php. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious URLs that are then executed as PHP code on the target server, creating a severe security risk for any system running this vulnerable version of the software. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-98, which describes improper restriction of operations within a blacklisted file system directory, and specifically manifests as a remote code execution vector through insecure file inclusion mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the abs_path parameter in the HTTP request to either index.php or checkout.php endpoints. When the application processes this parameter without proper validation, it attempts to include and execute the remote file specified in the URL, effectively allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. This behavior directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the application's input handling procedures. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without authentication, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can send requests to the vulnerable application. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it targets publicly accessible web applications and leverages insecure remote file inclusion mechanisms to achieve code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server. Once successfully exploited, attackers can access sensitive data, modify application functionality, install backdoors, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and unauthorized access to customer information stored within the e-commerce platform. Organizations running this vulnerable software face significant risk of financial loss, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage. The exploitation of this vulnerability typically requires minimal technical skill, making it particularly attractive to threat actors and increasing the potential for widespread compromise across systems running the affected software version.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0287 must address both the immediate vulnerability and implement broader security controls to prevent similar issues. The most effective immediate solution involves patching the application to version 3.3.3 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the remote file inclusion vulnerability. Organizations should also implement input validation and sanitization measures, specifically by ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are properly validated before being used in file inclusion operations. Additionally, the application should be configured to disable remote file inclusion features entirely, using php.ini settings such as allow_url_fopen and allow_url_include set to off. Network-level controls including web application firewalls and proper access controls should be implemented to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. According to industry best practices, this vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and the need for regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools to continuously monitor for similar weaknesses across their web applications and infrastructure.