CVE-2008-1682 in Online FlashQuiz
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in quiz/common/db_config.inc.php in the Online FlashQuiz (com_onlineflashquiz) 1.0.2 component for Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the base_dir parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1682 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Online FlashQuiz Joomla! component version 1.0.2. This issue resides in the quiz/common/db_config.inc.php file and demonstrates a classic path traversal vulnerability that enables attackers to inject malicious code through improper input validation. The vulnerability specifically affects the base_dir parameter which is used to define the base directory for database configuration operations. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL in this parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize the input, allowing the inclusion of remote files that can contain arbitrary PHP code execution directives.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-98 category of "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and more specifically aligns with CWE-88, "Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command ('Argument Injection')." The attack vector exploits the component's failure to validate or sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations. The flaw occurs because the application directly incorporates user-provided data into file paths without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute malicious PHP code remotely, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the web server hosting the vulnerable Joomla! installation. The vulnerability enables attackers to upload and execute backdoor scripts, steal sensitive data, modify website content, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks against other systems. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require local access or authentication credentials to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly attractive to threat actors. Additionally, this vulnerability can be automated through web scanning tools, increasing the attack surface and likelihood of exploitation.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059.007 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python." The vulnerability also aligns with T1078 "Valid Accounts" as exploitation often leads to account compromise, and T1566 "Phishing" as attackers may use the compromised system for further reconnaissance. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching the vulnerable component to the latest available version, implementing proper input validation and sanitization, and configuring web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious parameter values. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing remote code execution attacks, particularly in content management systems where user input is frequently processed without adequate sanitization.