CVE-2008-1416 in PHPauction GPL
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in PHPauction GPL 2.51 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the include_path parameter to (1) converter.inc.php, (2) messages.inc.php, and (3) settings.inc.php in includes/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1416 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the PHPauction GPL 2.51 web application. This issue stems from improper input validation and insecure handling of user-supplied data in the application's include_path parameter, which creates a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The vulnerability affects three specific include files within the includes/ directory structure, namely converter.inc.php, messages.inc.php, and settings.inc.php, making it particularly dangerous as it targets core application functionality modules. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited without authentication, presenting a significant risk to web server security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic remote file inclusion (RFI) attack pattern that maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression. The PHPauction application fails to properly sanitize or validate the include_path parameter, allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs that are then processed by the include() or require() functions. When the application processes these parameters, it blindly includes files from remote locations specified by the attacker, effectively executing any PHP code present in those remote files. This behavior directly violates secure coding principles and represents a fundamental failure in input validation and output encoding practices. The vulnerability exists because the application does not implement proper whitelisting or sanitization of file paths, instead accepting user input directly into critical system functions.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-1416 extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload backdoor scripts, establish persistent access, or escalate privileges within the compromised environment. The affected files converter.inc.php, messages.inc.php, and settings.inc.php are core components that handle various application functionalities including data conversion, messaging systems, and system configuration, making the potential attack surface particularly extensive. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.001 for command and script injection, T1190 for exploitation of remote services, and T1078 for valid accounts usage. The attack chain typically involves crafting a malicious URL containing PHP code, passing it through the vulnerable include_path parameter, and executing the remote code on the target server, which can result in data breaches, system infiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1416 require immediate implementation of multiple security controls to protect against exploitation attempts. The primary defense involves updating PHPauction to a patched version that addresses this vulnerability, as the original software is no longer supported and contains multiple unpatched security flaws. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures that prevent user-supplied data from being processed in include statements, utilizing techniques such as whitelisting acceptable file paths or employing proper parameter validation. Network-level protections including firewall rules and web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests targeting these specific vulnerable endpoints. Additionally, implementing proper file permission controls and disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP configurations can significantly reduce the attack surface. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual include_path parameter usage patterns, and regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications. The remediation process should also include disabling the register_globals directive in PHP configurations and ensuring that all user inputs are properly escaped before being used in dynamic code execution contexts, aligning with industry best practices for secure web application development and the principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security framework.