CVE-2008-2270 in Kostenloses Linkmanagementscript
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in PHPWAY Kostenloses Linkmanagementscript allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) main_page_directory and (2) page_to_include parameters in template\index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2270 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the PHPWAY Kostenloses Linkmanagementscript, a web-based link management application. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The flaw specifically affects the template\index.php file where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without adequate sanitization or validation measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through two distinct parameter injection points within the application's codebase. The main_page_directory and page_to_include parameters in template\index.php accept user input that is then used to construct file paths for inclusion operations. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the value for either parameter, the application processes this input without proper validation, allowing the execution of remote PHP code. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command, and CWE-94, which addresses the execution of code from untrusted inputs. The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Successful exploitation enables remote attackers to upload malicious files, execute system commands, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the compromised environment. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the core functionality of the link management script, which typically requires minimal privileges to exploit. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform reconnaissance activities, escalate privileges, and move laterally within the network infrastructure. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for server-side include attacks and T1190 for exploitation of remote services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2270 require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures. The primary fix involves implementing strict input validation on all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The application should employ whitelisting mechanisms that only allow predefined, safe values for directory and file inclusion parameters. Additionally, disabling remote file inclusion features entirely through php.ini configuration settings can prevent exploitation. The implementation of proper access controls and input filtering should be enforced at multiple layers including web application firewalls, server configurations, and application code. Security patches should be applied immediately to update the vulnerable PHPWAY script to a version that addresses this specific vulnerability, as the original version contains no built-in protections against such attacks. Organizations should also implement monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect suspicious file inclusion attempts and establish proper network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.