CVE-2008-2198 in Tellfriend
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in kmitaadmin/kmitat/htmlcode.php in Kmita Tellfriend 2.0 and earlier, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2198 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Kmita Tellfriend web application version 2.0 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically affects systems where the PHP configuration parameter register_globals is enabled, creating a dangerous condition that allows remote attackers to inject malicious code through crafted HTTP requests. The affected component is located within the kmitaadmin/kmitat/htmlcode.php script, which processes user-supplied input without proper sanitization or validation, making it susceptible to exploitation by malicious actors seeking to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system.
The technical mechanism of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of user input through the file parameter, which is directly incorporated into the application's execution flow without adequate security controls. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from HTTP request data, including GET, POST, and COOKIE parameters. This configuration effectively eliminates the need for explicit variable declaration and can lead to dangerous situations where user-provided data becomes directly executable within the application context. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing PHP code within the file parameter, which is then processed by the vulnerable htmlcode.php script, resulting in arbitrary code execution on the web server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Successful exploitation can lead to data breaches, server compromise, and potential lateral movement within network infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload backdoors, steal sensitive information, modify website content, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal user interaction to exploit and can be automated through various attack frameworks, making it a preferred target for mass exploitation campaigns. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-88 category for Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, demonstrating how remote code execution vulnerabilities can serve as initial access vectors in broader attack chains.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input validation and secure coding practices. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling the register_globals directive in PHP configuration files, which eliminates the dangerous automatic variable creation behavior that enables this attack vector. Additionally, developers should implement proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are strictly validated against expected input patterns and ranges. The application should employ a whitelist approach for file inclusion operations, rejecting any input that does not match predefined safe values. Organizations should also implement proper web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious parameter patterns, while conducting regular security audits to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities throughout their application portfolio. This vulnerability underscores the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper configuration management in preventing remote code execution attacks that can compromise entire web infrastructure.