CVE-2008-2396 in Mircrossys Cms
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in Wajox Software microSSys CMS 1.5 and earlier, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in an arbitrary element of the PAGES array parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2396 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the microSSys CMS version 1.5 and earlier, specifically exploiting the dangerous combination of PHP's register_globals directive and improper input validation. This vulnerability resides in the index.php file and demonstrates a classic insecure coding practice that has been documented in numerous security frameworks including CWE-88, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements in os command injection attacks, and CWE-94, which covers execution of arbitrary code due to insufficient input validation. The flaw occurs when the CMS operates with register_globals enabled, a configuration that automatically converts HTTP request variables into global PHP variables, creating an attack surface that malicious actors can exploit to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code.
The technical exploitation mechanism involves attackers manipulating the PAGES array parameter through HTTP requests, where the CMS fails to properly sanitize or validate input before using it in file inclusion operations. When register_globals is enabled, the attacker can craft a malicious request that populates the PAGES array with a URL pointing to a remote malicious script. The CMS then processes this array element through an include or require statement without proper validation, effectively executing the remote code on the target server. This vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote file inclusion to execute arbitrary code, and demonstrates the dangerous intersection between legacy PHP configurations and insecure programming practices that were prevalent during the early 2000s.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server and potentially the underlying infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, escalate privileges, or use the compromised server as a launchpad for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects organizations running outdated CMS software, particularly those with legacy configurations where register_globals remains enabled for compatibility reasons. The security implications are compounded by the fact that many organizations may not regularly update their content management systems, leaving them exposed to known vulnerabilities that have been patched in newer versions for over a decade.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2396 require a multi-layered approach that addresses both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The primary and most critical mitigation involves disabling register_globals in the PHP configuration, which should be enforced through php.ini settings or server-level configurations. Organizations must also implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to ensure that all user-supplied data is properly filtered before being processed by the application. Additionally, the CMS should be upgraded to a supported version that does not exhibit this vulnerability, as microSSys CMS 1.5 and earlier versions are no longer maintained and likely contain additional unpatched security flaws. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to monitor for suspicious patterns related to file inclusion attacks, while regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities throughout the application stack. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in web application development, as outlined in various security standards including OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.