CVE-2008-0572 in Mindmeld
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Mindmeld 1.2.0.10 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the MM_GLOBALS[home] parameter to (1) acweb/admin_index.php; and (2) ask.inc.php, (3) learn.inc.php, (4) manage.inc.php, (5) mind.inc.php, and (6) sensory.inc.php in include/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0572 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Mindmeld version 1.2.0.10, specifically targeting PHP applications that fail to properly validate user-supplied input. This issue stems from the application's improper handling of the MM_GLOBALS[home] parameter, which is processed through multiple administrative and core include files without adequate sanitization. The vulnerability manifests in several key locations including acweb/admin_index.php and multiple include files such as ask.inc.php, learn.inc.php, manage.inc.php, mind.inc.php, and sensory.inc.php within the include/ directory, creating multiple attack vectors for malicious actors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the MM_GLOBALS[home] parameter to inject a malicious URL that gets processed through PHP's include or require functions. This flaw directly maps to CWE-88, known as "Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command," and CWE-94, "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')." The vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server by leveraging the insecure parameter handling mechanism, effectively bypassing normal access controls and potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can inject malicious PHP code through the URL parameter, which gets executed in the context of the web server process, providing them with elevated privileges and system-level access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The multiple attack vectors across various include files increase the likelihood of successful exploitation and provide attackers with multiple opportunities to bypass security measures. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, "Exploit Public-Facing Application," and T1059.007, "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP," demonstrating how attackers can leverage web application flaws to execute malicious payloads and maintain persistent access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in include statements. The recommended approach includes implementing strict whitelisting mechanisms for file inclusion parameters, disabling remote file inclusion in PHP configurations through the disable_functions directive, and ensuring all user inputs are properly validated before processing. Additionally, applying the latest security patches from the vendor, implementing proper web application firewalls, and conducting regular security assessments are essential measures to prevent exploitation of this type of vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing input encoding and output filtering mechanisms to prevent malicious code injection attempts and establish monitoring protocols to detect anomalous file inclusion patterns.