CVE-2008-1046 in Quinsonnas Mail Checker
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in footer.php in Quinsonnas Mail Checker 1.55 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the op[footer_body] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2024
The CVE-2008-1046 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw discovered in the Quinsonnas Mail Checker 1.55 web application. This vulnerability resides within the footer.php script and specifically targets the op[footer_body] parameter, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected server. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's parameter handling logic, particularly when processing user-supplied data for inclusion in server-side script execution contexts. This flaw fundamentally violates secure coding principles by failing to properly validate or sanitize external input before incorporating it into dynamic PHP execution flows.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the op[footer_body] parameter, which is then processed by the footer.php script without adequate security controls. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-98 as "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and more specifically aligns with CWE-88 which addresses "Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command ('Argument Injection')." When the application processes this parameter, it directly incorporates the user-supplied URL into a file inclusion directive, enabling attackers to reference remote malicious scripts hosted on external servers. This creates a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the target environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish backdoors, escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or deploy additional malware payloads. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system, as it enables unauthorized access to server resources and potentially allows for data exfiltration or system disruption. Organizations running Quinsonnas Mail Checker 1.55 are particularly vulnerable because the flaw exists in the core application logic rather than in isolated components, making it a significant security risk for any web server environment where the application is deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1046 should focus on immediate patching and implementation of input validation controls. The most effective remediation involves updating to a patched version of Quinsonnas Mail Checker that properly validates and sanitizes all user input parameters. Organizations should implement strict input validation that rejects any non-numeric or non-expected input for the op[footer_body] parameter, and should employ a whitelist approach for all file inclusion operations. Additionally, the application should be configured to disable remote file inclusion features entirely and restrict file operations to local filesystem paths only. Security controls should include implementing proper parameter sanitization, using secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices, and applying the principle of least privilege to web server processes. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to detect and block exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059.007 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP," highlighting the need for comprehensive application security controls and monitoring.