CVE-2008-0502 in Connectix Boards
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in templates/Official/part_userprofile.php in Connectix Boards 0.8.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the template_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0502 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Connectix Boards 0.8.2 software suite, specifically affecting the part_userprofile.php template file. This vulnerability resides in the template_path parameter handling mechanism, which fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into the application's execution flow. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that point to remote PHP scripts, thereby allowing unauthorized code execution on the target server. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. This weakness directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in software applications to gain remote code execution capabilities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the template_path parameter to include a malicious URL pointing to a remote PHP script hosted on an attacker-controlled server. When the vulnerable application processes this parameter, it attempts to include and execute the remote file, effectively allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and sanitization, where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without proper security checks. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without authentication, allowing attackers to gain complete control over the affected system. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data breaches, system compromise, and further lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability are severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with a straightforward path to system compromise. Once exploited, attackers can upload additional malicious files, establish persistent backdoors, and potentially escalate privileges to gain administrative control over the web server. The vulnerability affects the entire Connectix Boards 0.8.2 ecosystem and earlier versions, making it a widespread concern for organizations that have not updated their software. The attack surface is particularly broad since the vulnerability can be triggered through various user interaction points within the application's user profile functionality. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as a high-priority threat requiring immediate remediation, as it can lead to complete system takeover and data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0502 should focus on immediate software patching and input validation implementation. Organizations must upgrade to Connectix Boards versions that have addressed this vulnerability, as the original software versions are no longer supported. The recommended approach includes implementing strict input validation on all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Security measures should include disabling remote file inclusion features entirely and implementing a whitelist approach for template paths. Additionally, organizations should deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting this vulnerability. The implementation of proper access controls and regular security assessments can help prevent exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect suspicious file inclusion patterns and unauthorized code execution attempts. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing robust input validation mechanisms as fundamental security practices to prevent similar remote file inclusion attacks in the future.