CVE-2008-2284 in fusebox
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in fusebox5.php in Fusebox 5.5.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the FUSEBOX_APPLICATION_PATH parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2025
The CVE-2008-2284 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Fusebox 5.5.1 framework's fusebox5.php component. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's parameter handling process. The specific weakness occurs when the FUSEBOX_APPLICATION_PATH parameter receives user-supplied input without proper validation, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that point to remote malicious code repositories. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which categorizes improper validation of dangerous data as a code execution flaw, and specifically manifests as a remote code execution vulnerability through the exploitation of insecure file inclusion mechanisms. This type of vulnerability allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary commands on the target system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious URL that gets passed through the FUSEBOX_APPLICATION_PATH parameter to the vulnerable fusebox5.php script. When the application processes this parameter, it attempts to include and execute the remote file specified in the URL, effectively allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary PHP code on the server. The attack vector operates through HTTP requests that manipulate the application's file inclusion logic, leveraging the trust model that the application places in user-provided parameters. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without authentication, and the remote file inclusion mechanism can be used to download and execute malware, backdoors, or other malicious payloads from external servers. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and similar industry standards.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-2284 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Successful exploitation can result in persistent backdoor access, server takeover, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish command and control channels, harvest sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1190, known as "Exploit Public-Facing Application," indicates that it represents a common attack pattern where adversaries target exposed web applications to gain initial access. Organizations running affected versions of Fusebox 5.5.1 face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches, as the vulnerability can be exploited by automated scanning tools that probe for known vulnerable patterns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected Fusebox framework, implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms, and applying web application firewall rules to block suspicious URL patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and monitoring for unusual file inclusion patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user inputs and avoiding dynamic file inclusion without proper security checks. Security teams should implement comprehensive vulnerability management processes that include regular scanning for known vulnerabilities and immediate remediation of identified weaknesses. Additionally, application-level protections such as disabling remote file inclusion features and implementing proper parameter validation can significantly reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.