CVE-2008-0648 in OpenSiteAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in OpenSiteAdmin 0.9.1.1 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the path parameter to (1) indexFooter.php; and (2) DatabaseManager.php, (3) FieldManager.php, (4) Filter.php, (5) Form.php, (6) FormManager.php, (7) LoginManager.php, and (8) Filters/SingleFilter.php in scripts/classes/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0648 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting OpenSiteAdmin version 0.9.1.1 and earlier installations. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of user-supplied input through the path parameter, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The flaw impacts multiple core script files including indexFooter.php, DatabaseManager.php, FieldManager.php, Filter.php, Form.php, FormManager.php, LoginManager.php, and various files within the Filters directory, demonstrating a widespread issue across the application's class management system. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command or injection attack, and more specifically to CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code or commands through the inclusion of external files. This weakness enables attackers to manipulate the application's file inclusion mechanisms and potentially gain complete control over the affected server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malicious URL through the path parameter in any of the affected script files. The application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input, allowing the attacker to specify external URLs that are then included and executed as PHP code. This remote file inclusion vulnerability operates under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1190, which involves using remote file inclusion to execute malicious code. The attack vector leverages the application's legitimate file inclusion functionality to load attacker-controlled code, bypassing normal security controls. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution, as it can potentially allow attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors within the target environment. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it affects core application components that handle database management, form processing, user authentication, and filtering mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability creates significant security risks for organizations using affected OpenSiteAdmin installations. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to the web server, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data breaches. The vulnerability's presence across multiple core application files means that a successful attack could affect various system functions including database operations, user authentication, and form handling capabilities. Organizations may experience unauthorized data access, modification of critical application components, and potential exfiltration of sensitive information stored within the application's database. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication. Security teams face the challenge of identifying all affected components and implementing immediate mitigation measures to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor input validation practices that could indicate broader security weaknesses within the application's architecture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0648 should prioritize immediate application updates to versions that address the remote file inclusion vulnerability. Organizations must disable remote file inclusion features within the application by configuring php.ini settings to set allow_url_fopen and allow_url_include to off, effectively preventing external URL inclusion. Input validation and sanitization measures should be implemented to ensure all user-supplied parameters undergo strict validation before processing. Web application firewalls can provide additional protection by monitoring and blocking suspicious URL inclusion patterns targeting the affected script files. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. System administrators should monitor web server logs for suspicious activity related to the affected files and implement proper access controls to limit exposure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices including input validation, output encoding, and principle of least privilege. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation and establish incident response procedures for rapid remediation of similar vulnerabilities.