CVE-2008-1989 in 123 Flash Chat Module
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in 123flashchat.php in the 123 Flash Chat 6.8.0 module for e107, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the e107path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-1989 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the 123 Flash Chat 6.8.0 module for the e107 content management system. This issue arises from improper input validation and unsafe file inclusion practices that enable attackers to inject malicious PHP code through the e107path parameter. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the PHP configuration has register_globals enabled, a deprecated feature that automatically converts HTTP request variables into global variables, creating dangerous security implications. The flaw exists in the 123flashchat.php file, which processes user input without adequate sanitization, allowing remote attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through crafted URL parameters. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-88, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of command injection and file inclusion attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious URL containing a remote file reference that gets included by the vulnerable application. When register_globals is enabled, the e107path parameter becomes accessible as a global variable, bypassing normal input validation mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this by providing a URL pointing to a remote server hosting malicious PHP code, which then gets executed on the target server with the privileges of the web application. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic path traversal and remote file inclusion pattern that has been extensively documented in security literature and represents a fundamental flaw in input sanitization and secure coding practices. This weakness enables attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-1989 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and persistent access to affected environments. Organizations running vulnerable versions of e107 with the 123 Flash Chat module face significant risks including unauthorized access to sensitive data, potential data corruption, and complete system takeover. The vulnerability creates a backdoor that can be exploited repeatedly, allowing attackers to maintain persistent access even after initial compromise. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving remote code execution and privilege escalation, with potential for lateral movement through the network. The impact is particularly severe because the vulnerability affects a widely used CMS platform and its modules, potentially affecting numerous websites and organizations that have not properly updated their systems. The exploitability is enhanced by the widespread use of register_globals in older PHP configurations, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in legacy environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1989 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper code updates and configuration hardening. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to patched versions of both the e107 CMS and the 123 Flash Chat module, as vendors would have released security patches addressing this specific vulnerability. The most effective immediate mitigation involves disabling register_globals in PHP configuration files, which directly eliminates the attack vector by preventing automatic conversion of request variables into global scope. Additionally, implementing input validation and sanitization measures within the application code is essential, including proper parameter validation and the use of allowlists for file inclusion operations. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense, though they are not substitutes for proper code fixes. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious file inclusion patterns and unusual network traffic originating from web servers. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding practices, specifically avoiding the use of dynamic include statements with user-controllable input, and implementing proper access controls and privilege separation mechanisms. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable components within their web applications and ensure that legacy configurations are properly updated or migrated to supported platforms.