CVE-2008-0803 in Lan Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in LookStrike Lan Manager 0.9 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the sys_conf[path][real] parameter to (1) modules\class\Table.php; (2) db_admins.php, (3) db_alert.php, (4) db_double.php, (5) db_games.php, (6) db_matches.php, (7) db_match_teams.php, (8) db_news.php, (9) db_platform.php, (10) db_players.php, (11) db_server_group.php, (12) db_server_ip.php, (13) db_teams.php, (14) db_team_players.php, (15) db_tournaments.php, (16) db_tournament_teams.php, and (17) db_trees.php in modules\class\db\; and (18) Match.php, (19) MatchTeam.php, (20) Rule.php, (21) RuleBuilder.php, (22) RulePool.php, (23) RuleSingle.php, (24) RuleTree.php, (25) Tournament.php, (26) TournamentTeam.php, (27) Tree.php, and (28) TreeSingle.php in modules\class\tournament\. NOTE: this can also be leveraged to include and execute arbitrary local files via directory traversal sequences.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2024
The CVE-2008-0803 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in LookStrike Lan Manager version 0.9 that exposes the application to arbitrary code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically affects the system configuration parameter sys_conf[path][real] which is processed without adequate input validation, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute unauthorized PHP code on the target server. The flaw resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input during the module loading process, where the system fails to properly sanitize or validate the path parameter before incorporating it into the execution flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic remote file inclusion attack vector where an attacker can manipulate the sys_conf[path][real] parameter to point to a malicious remote resource. When the application processes this parameter, it directly includes the specified file without proper validation, allowing remote code execution through PHP's include or require functions. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, representing improper execution of code, as the application executes code from external sources without proper authorization checks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with full control over the affected server. Once exploited, malicious actors can upload additional backdoors, establish persistent access, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the modules functionality of LookStrike Lan Manager, potentially compromising the entire system configuration and exposing sensitive data stored within the application's database or file system. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically PHP, and represents a significant risk to organizations relying on the vulnerable software.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0803 require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures to prevent untrusted data from influencing file inclusion operations. Organizations should disable the vulnerable functionality entirely if possible, implement proper parameter validation using allowlists, and ensure that all user-supplied input undergoes strict sanitization before processing. The recommended approach includes implementing the principle of least privilege by restricting file inclusion operations to predefined, trusted paths only, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting the vulnerable parameter. Additionally, regular security audits and patch management processes should be enforced to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future versions of the software, while also ensuring that legacy systems are properly secured or migrated to supported platforms.