CVE-2008-2074 in Harris Wap Chat
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities Harris Yusuf Arifin Harris Wap Chat 1.0, when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the sysFileDir parameter to (1) eng.writeMsg.php, (2) eng.adCreate.php, (3) eng.adCreateSave.php, (4) eng.adDispByTypeOptions.php, (5) eng.createRoom.php, (6) eng.forward.php, (7) eng.pageLogout.php, (8) eng.resultMember.php, (9) eng.roomDeleteConfirm.php, (10) eng.saveNewRoom.php, and (11) eng.searchMember.php in src/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2074 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Harris Yusuf Arifin's Wap Chat 1.0 application. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and unsafe parameter handling within multiple PHP scripts that process user-supplied data through the sysFileDir parameter. The flaw exists specifically when the PHP configuration setting register_globals is enabled, creating a dangerous condition where attacker-controlled variables can be injected into the global namespace. The affected files include a comprehensive set of eleven script endpoints within the src/ directory, each susceptible to malicious URL injection through the sysFileDir parameter. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically with CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code due to improper input validation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a Remote Code Execution technique under the T1059.007 sub-technique, specifically targeting command and scripting interpreters. The vulnerability operates by allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs that are then processed by PHP's include or require functions, potentially executing arbitrary code on the target server. When register_globals is enabled, the sysFileDir parameter becomes directly accessible as a global variable, bypassing normal input sanitization mechanisms and providing attackers with a direct pathway to execute malicious code. The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables full remote code execution capabilities, allowing attackers to gain complete control over the affected server. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to upload and execute malware, establish persistent backdoors, perform data exfiltration, or use the compromised server for further attacks against other systems. The widespread nature of the vulnerability across eleven different script endpoints increases the attack surface significantly, making the application particularly susceptible to exploitation. The security implications extend beyond immediate code execution to include potential privilege escalation and lateral movement within network environments. Organizations using this vulnerable software face substantial risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential compromise of entire infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in input validation practices and highlights the critical importance of proper parameter sanitization in web applications. The use of register_globals, which has been deprecated since PHP 5.3.0 and removed in PHP 5.4.0, represents a legacy security issue that compounds the vulnerability's impact. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the affected application, disabling register_globals in PHP configurations, implementing proper input validation and sanitization, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious URL patterns. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security audits of their PHP applications to identify similar vulnerabilities and ensure that all user inputs are properly validated and escaped before being processed by the application. The vulnerability serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with legacy PHP configurations and the critical need for maintaining up-to-date security practices in web application development and deployment.