CVE-2008-1622 in GeeCarts
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in GeeCarts allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the id parameter to (1) show.php, (2) search.php, and (3) view.php. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-1622 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting the GeeCarts e-commerce platform. This issue stems from improper input validation within three key PHP scripts that process user-supplied parameters. The vulnerability specifically targets the id parameter in show.php, search.php, and view.php files, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The flaw exemplifies a classic remote file inclusion vulnerability that allows attackers to leverage the application's file handling mechanisms to load external content and execute it within the server context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an eval context, and CWE-94, which covers improper control of generation of code. The vulnerability operates through a common pattern where user input flows directly into file inclusion functions without adequate sanitization or validation. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing a remote file reference in the id parameter, the vulnerable application processes this input through functions like include or require, effectively executing the remote code on the server. This flaw demonstrates a fundamental lack of input validation and output encoding practices that are essential for preventing code injection attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over the affected server. Once exploited, an attacker can execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, modify application functionality, and establish persistent access through backdoor installations. The vulnerability affects multiple entry points within the application, increasing the attack surface and providing multiple potential exploitation vectors. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by automated scanning tools and increases the likelihood of widespread compromise across multiple installations.
Security practitioners should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. The primary mitigation involves input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Applications should employ allowlists of acceptable values rather than denylists, and all external input should be properly escaped or encoded before being processed. The implementation of a Web Application Firewall can provide additional protection by detecting and blocking malicious patterns in incoming requests. Regular security updates and patches should be applied immediately upon availability, as this vulnerability represents a known flaw that has existed for many years. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive code reviews focusing on file inclusion functions and implement secure coding practices that align with OWASP Top Ten recommendations for preventing injection flaws and remote code execution vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059 for command and script injection, highlighting the importance of preventing malicious code execution through input validation and proper parameter handling.