CVE-2008-0289 in Member Area System
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in view_func.php in Member Area System (MAS) 1.7 and possibly others allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the i parameter. NOTE: a second vector might exist via the l parameter. NOTE: as of 20080118, the vendor has disputed the set of affected versions, stating that the issue "is already fixed, for almost a year."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0289 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Member Area System (MAS) version 1.7 and potentially other iterations of the software. This vulnerability resides within the view_func.php component and exposes the application to remote code execution attacks through manipulation of input parameters. The core issue stems from the application's improper handling of user-supplied input that is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without adequate validation or sanitization. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs and passing them through the i parameter, which then gets processed by the vulnerable include function, allowing arbitrary PHP code execution on the target server. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of command and control operations where attacker-controlled data flows into file inclusion functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server environment. Successful exploitation enables adversaries to upload malicious files, execute system commands, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the compromised infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. Additionally, the presence of a secondary vector through the l parameter suggests that the vulnerability may have multiple attack surfaces within the same codebase, increasing the overall risk profile and attack surface. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes利用远程服务中的漏洞进行攻击，以及T1059，涉及通过命令和控制通道执行恶意代码。
Security practitioners should consider that this vulnerability existed for an extended period before being acknowledged by the vendor, indicating potential gaps in the software development lifecycle's security practices. The vendor's assertion that the issue was fixed nearly a year prior to the CVE publication suggests either a delayed response to security reports or that the vulnerability was not properly classified as critical. Organizations running affected versions of MAS should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, parameter sanitization, and the removal of vulnerable include functions that accept user input directly. The recommended approach involves implementing strict whitelisting of acceptable parameters, disabling remote file inclusion features, and conducting comprehensive security audits of all file inclusion operations within the application codebase. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers, though they should not be considered a substitute for proper code-level fixes. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments to prevent such persistent issues from affecting production environments.