CVE-2008-1903 in NewsOffice
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in news_show.php in Newanz NewsOffice 1.0 and 1.1, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the newsoffice_directory parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1903 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Newanz NewsOffice content management system versions 1.0 and 1.1. This vulnerability specifically targets the news_show.php script and exploits a fundamental security weakness that occurs when the PHP configuration parameter register_globals is enabled. The flaw arises from improper input validation and sanitization within the application's parameter handling mechanism, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected server. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-88, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, which covers improper control of generation of code, making it a prime example of code injection vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a code injection technique under the T1059.007 sub-technique, specifically targeting remote code execution through web application vulnerabilities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL that includes a remote file reference in the newsoffice_directory parameter. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from GET, POST, and cookie data, allowing attackers to manipulate the application's behavior by injecting malicious input. The vulnerable application fails to properly validate or sanitize the newsoffice_directory parameter, enabling the attacker to specify a remote URL containing malicious PHP code. This code is then executed within the context of the web server process, potentially granting the attacker full control over the affected system. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it requires only a single parameter manipulation to achieve remote code execution, making it particularly dangerous in unpatched environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data breaches. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, steal sensitive information, modify content, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks against the internal network. The vulnerability affects organizations that have not updated their Newanz NewsOffice installations and have not disabled register_globals in their PHP configurations. This presents a significant risk for websites running legacy systems or organizations that have not implemented proper security patch management procedures. The vulnerability also highlights the dangers of enabling dangerous PHP configuration settings, as register_globals creates numerous security risks beyond this specific vulnerability, making it a critical configuration issue that should be addressed regardless of other security measures in place.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1903 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The primary recommendation is to upgrade to a patched version of Newanz NewsOffice, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases. Organizations should also disable the register_globals PHP configuration directive immediately, as this setting creates multiple security vulnerabilities beyond this specific issue. Implementing input validation and sanitization measures within the application code can provide additional defense-in-depth layers, ensuring that all user-supplied input is properly validated before processing. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious parameter values and unusual file access patterns. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices. The incident also underscores the necessity of maintaining current security patches and implementing robust configuration management policies to prevent dangerous PHP settings from being enabled in production environments.