CVE-2008-2481 in phpRaider
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in authentication/phpbb3/phpbb3.functions.php in phpRaider 1.0.7 and 1.0.7a, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the pConfig_auth[phpbb_path] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2481 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in phpRaider version 1.0.7 and 1.0.7a that exploits the dangerous combination of insecure parameter handling and the deprecated register_globals PHP configuration. This vulnerability resides within the authentication module specifically in the phpbb3.functions.php file, which processes user authentication through phpBB3 integration. The flaw occurs when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input that is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations, creating an avenue for attackers to inject malicious code through crafted URLs.
The technical execution of this vulnerability relies on the presence of register_globals=on in the PHP configuration, a setting that automatically creates global variables from GET, POST, and cookie data. When an attacker manipulates the pConfig_auth[phpbb_path] parameter with a malicious URL, the application's insecure code path incorporates this input directly into a file inclusion directive without proper sanitization. This creates a classic remote file inclusion (RFI) vulnerability that allows arbitrary code execution on the target server. The flaw operates under CWE-98, which specifically addresses improper restriction of operations within a recognized security scope, and falls into the ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote file inclusion vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server. Once exploited, attackers can execute arbitrary commands, upload malicious files, establish backdoors, and potentially escalate privileges to gain access to sensitive data or use the compromised server for further attacks. The vulnerability affects the authentication framework of phpRaider, which means that successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to user accounts and the entire application's user base. The risk is amplified because the vulnerability only requires a single parameter manipulation to achieve code execution, making it particularly attractive to automated attack tools.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security flaw and the underlying configuration issues that enable exploitation. The primary recommendation involves disabling the register_globals PHP setting, which eliminates the automatic creation of global variables from user input and removes the core condition that allows this attack to succeed. Additionally, proper input validation and sanitization should be implemented throughout the application to ensure that any user-supplied data passed to file inclusion functions is thoroughly checked and cleaned. Implementing a whitelist approach for file paths and using absolute paths instead of relative or user-controllable paths in file inclusion operations would further prevent exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious parameter values and regularly update their applications to avoid known vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include comprehensive code review to identify similar insecure coding patterns and adherence to secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and other industry security standards.