CVE-2008-1760 in Blogator-script
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Blogator-script before 1.01 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the incl_page parameter in (1) struct_admin.php, (2) struct_admin_blog.php, and (3) struct_main.php in _blogadata/include.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1760 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Blogator-script versions prior to 1.01. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of user-supplied input in the incl_page parameter, which is processed across three distinct PHP files including struct_admin.php, struct_admin_blog.php, and struct_main.php located within the _blogadata/include directory structure. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that are subsequently included and executed as PHP code on the target server, creating a pathway for remote code execution.
The technical mechanism underlying this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the Blogator-script application. When the application processes the incl_page parameter, it fails to adequately validate or sanitize user-provided URLs before incorporating them into the include statement. This lack of input sanitization creates an environment where attacker-controlled content can be executed within the context of the web server process. The vulnerability is classified as a remote file inclusion issue, which aligns with CWE-88 and CWE-94 categories, representing both improper input validation and code injection weaknesses. The attack vector operates through standard HTTP requests where an attacker crafts malicious URLs that point to external resources containing malicious PHP code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the vulnerable server, potentially leading to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the Blogator-script application, which is designed for content management and blog administration. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload malicious files, modify existing content, access sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects all versions prior to 1.01, indicating this was a known issue that required patching but was not addressed in older releases.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1760 focus on immediate patching and input validation improvements. Organizations should upgrade to Blogator-script version 1.01 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. The implementation of strict input validation should include whitelisting acceptable values for the incl_page parameter, preventing any external URL inclusion. Security measures should also incorporate proper parameter sanitization, input filtering, and the principle of least privilege in file inclusion operations. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense in depth, though the most effective solution remains the application-level patch that addresses the root cause of the vulnerability. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security auditing of similar applications to identify and address other potential remote file inclusion vulnerabilities within the system landscape.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in web applications and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote file inclusion vulnerabilities. The attack surface remains relevant in modern security contexts as similar patterns continue to appear in various web applications, emphasizing the need for continuous security awareness and proper coding practices that prevent such injection flaws from manifesting in production systems.