CVE-2008-1557 in BolinOS
Summary
by MITRE
BolinOS 4.6.1 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request to system/actionspages/_b/contentFiles/gBphpInfo.php, which calls the phpinfo function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1557 resides within BolinOS version 4.6.1, a web application framework that exposes a critical information disclosure flaw through an improperly secured administrative endpoint. This vulnerability specifically affects the system's handling of direct HTTP requests to a particular PHP script located at system/actionspages/_b/contentFiles/gBphpInfo.php, which executes the phpinfo function without proper authentication or authorization checks. The exposure occurs through a straightforward HTTP request mechanism that bypasses normal access controls, allowing any remote attacker to retrieve sensitive system information directly from the web server.
The technical flaw represents a classic case of insufficient access control combined with the dangerous exposure of phpinfo functionality, which is inherently designed to display extensive server configuration details including PHP version, loaded extensions, environment variables, and potentially sensitive system information. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the application's security architecture where administrative functions are accessible through predictable paths without proper authentication mechanisms. The flaw aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control, and specifically manifests as an issue where privileges are not properly enforced for sensitive system information access. The phpinfo function itself is commonly used for legitimate debugging purposes but becomes a security risk when exposed to unauthenticated users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information gathering, as the exposed system details can provide attackers with critical insights for subsequent exploitation attempts. The information disclosed through phpinfo includes PHP configuration settings, server environment variables, loaded modules, and potentially database connection details that could aid in crafting more sophisticated attacks. Attackers could leverage this information to identify vulnerable PHP extensions, determine the exact PHP version and configuration, and potentially discover other system components that might be exploitable. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers the discovery of system information, and represents a significant escalation path for threat actors who can use the gathered intelligence to plan more targeted attacks against the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate access control enforcement and architectural improvements to prevent unauthorized access to administrative functions. Organizations should implement proper authentication mechanisms for all administrative endpoints, including the specific path mentioned in the vulnerability, and ensure that any script exposing system information requires valid user credentials and appropriate privileges. The recommended remediation includes restricting access to the gBphpInfo.php file through web server configuration, implementing proper role-based access controls, and conducting comprehensive security reviews of all application endpoints to identify similar exposure vulnerabilities. Additionally, regular security assessments should be performed to ensure that sensitive system information is not inadvertently exposed through improperly configured web applications, and that all administrative functions are protected through appropriate authentication and authorization controls. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of securing administrative interfaces and the potential consequences of exposing diagnostic functions to unauthenticated users.