CVE-2008-1505 in custompages
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in the SSTREAMTV custompages (com_custompages) 1.1 and earlier component for Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the cpage parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The CVE-2008-1505 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the SSTREAMTV custompages component for Joomla! versions 1.1 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the component's handling of user-supplied input through the cpage parameter in the index.php script, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices, allowing attackers to manipulate the parameter to reference external malicious files that get included and executed within the context of the web application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically the improper handling of user-controllable input in file inclusion operations. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where the component fails to properly validate or sanitize the cpage parameter before using it in a file inclusion context. This creates a direct execution path where attacker-controlled URLs can be passed through the parameter and subsequently processed by the PHP include or require functions, enabling arbitrary code execution.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to Joomla! installations using the affected SSTREAMTV custompages component. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access or local system credentials to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. Successful exploitation could result in data theft, service disruption, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities to encompass broader security implications for the affected Joomla component versions, highlighting the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and regularly reviewing component security status.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1505 should prioritize immediate remediation through component updates to versions that address the remote file inclusion vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious URLs from being processed through the cpage parameter. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional defense in depth, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices including parameterized queries, input validation, and proper error handling to prevent similar issues in other applications. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses across the entire application portfolio, aligning with best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.