CVE-2008-2199 in Kmita Mail
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in kmitaadmin/kmitam/htmlcode.php in Kmita Mail 3.0 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-2008-2199 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Kmita Mail 3.0 software suite, specifically affecting the kmitaadmin/kmitam/htmlcode.php component. This vulnerability emerges from the insecure handling of user-supplied input parameters within a context where register_globals is enabled, creating a dangerous attack surface that enables remote code execution. The flaw manifests when an attacker manipulates the file parameter to include malicious URLs, thereby allowing arbitrary PHP code execution on the affected system. This vulnerability directly 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 or commands. The root cause stems from the improper validation and sanitization of input parameters, particularly within the htmlcode.php file that processes the file parameter without adequate security controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to leverage the insecure configuration where register_globals is enabled, which automatically creates PHP variables from request data. When register_globals is active, any parameter passed in the URL or POST data becomes directly accessible as a PHP variable, eliminating the need for explicit variable assignment. This configuration flaw, combined with the lack of input validation in the htmlcode.php script, creates an environment where attacker-controlled URLs can be seamlessly integrated into the application's execution flow. The attack vector specifically targets the file parameter, which is processed without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to inject URLs that point to malicious PHP scripts hosted on remote servers. This vulnerability operates under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1190, which covers the exploitation of remote services, and T1059, which involves the execution of code through command injection. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can submit requests to the vulnerable application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially enabling them to access sensitive system information, modify application behavior, establish persistent backdoors, or even gain access to underlying system resources. The vulnerability affects all versions of Kmita Mail 3.0 and earlier, representing a widespread issue that could impact numerous installations in production environments. Organizations running vulnerable versions face significant risk of unauthorized access, data theft, and system infiltration, particularly when the web server has elevated privileges or access to sensitive data repositories. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it can be exploited through simple HTTP requests, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise. This flaw can lead to complete compromise of the affected web server, potentially enabling attackers to use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2199 focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling the register_globals directive in the PHP configuration, which eliminates the automatic creation of variables from request data and fundamentally prevents this class of vulnerability from being exploitable. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization within the htmlcode.php script is essential, requiring that all user-supplied parameters undergo rigorous validation before being processed. The application should enforce strict parameter validation to ensure that only expected file paths or identifiers are accepted, rejecting any input that contains URLs or external references. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and authentication mechanisms to limit who can submit requests to the vulnerable endpoint. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious patterns in HTTP requests. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to ensure that all known vulnerabilities are addressed, while comprehensive security testing including dynamic analysis and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities throughout the application codebase. These measures align with the ATT&CK framework's defensive techniques that focus on input validation and access control to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities.