CVE-2008-1067 in phpQLAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in phpQLAdmin 2.2.7 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the _SESSION[path] parameter to (1) ezmlm.php and (2) tools/update_translations.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1067 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting phpQLAdmin version 2.2.7. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input within the _SESSION[path] parameter, which is processed in two specific files: ezmlm.php and tools/update_translations.php. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system, fundamentally compromising the application's security posture and potentially leading to full system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the phpQLAdmin codebase. When the application processes the _SESSION[path] parameter, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before using it in file inclusion operations. This creates an environment where an attacker can manipulate the parameter to point to malicious remote resources, effectively bypassing normal access controls and executing unauthorized code. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which specifically addresses improper file inclusion vulnerabilities, and demonstrates how insecure parameter handling can lead to arbitrary code execution. The attack vector leverages the application's trust in user-supplied session data, allowing remote adversaries to inject malicious URLs that are then processed as legitimate file paths.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for further exploitation within the compromised environment. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and the potential for establishing persistent backdoors. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, modify existing application functionality, or gain access to sensitive database information that phpQLAdmin manages. The vulnerability affects not just the web application itself but also potentially the underlying database server if proper access controls are not implemented. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for PHP code execution and T1021.004 for remote service access, demonstrating how the initial compromise can be leveraged for lateral movement and privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1067 require immediate implementation of several security measures to protect affected systems. The most critical remediation involves applying the official patch or upgrading to a newer version of phpQLAdmin that addresses this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement input validation and sanitization at multiple layers, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are properly validated before processing. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting file inclusion operations and implementing proper access controls. Network-based mitigations include deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious requests containing suspicious URL patterns. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file inclusion patterns and unauthorized code execution attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper parameter validation, particularly when dealing with session management and file operations in web applications. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scans to identify similar issues in other applications and systems.