CVE-2008-1488 in Alternative PHP Cache
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in apc.c in Alternative PHP Cache (APC) 3.0.11 through 3.0.16 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long filename.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1488 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the Alternative PHP Cache (APC) module, specifically within the apc.c source file. This flaw affects APC versions 3.0.11 through 3.0.16, creating a significant security risk for web applications that rely on this caching mechanism. The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation when processing filenames, allowing malicious actors to exploit the buffer overflow through carefully crafted long filename inputs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking in the APC module's handling of file paths during cache operations. When APC processes a request containing an excessively long filename, the system fails to validate the input length against the allocated stack buffer size, resulting in memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as a fundamental memory safety issue. The flaw demonstrates poor input sanitization practices that violate secure coding principles and create predictable attack vectors for remote code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it enables full remote code execution capabilities for attackers who can craft malicious filenames. This creates a severe threat landscape where unauthorized individuals can potentially gain complete control over affected web servers, leading to data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability affects PHP applications that utilize APC for caching, making it particularly dangerous in environments where PHP-based web applications are prevalent. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of affected APC installations to versions that address the buffer overflow issue, implementing proper input validation at the application level, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious filename patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and privilege separation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and the need for comprehensive input validation across all application components. This issue serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper memory management in preventing remote code execution vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application, emphasizing the need for proper application hardening and vulnerability management processes. Organizations must also implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous filename patterns and unusual caching behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts.