CVE-2008-2645 in Brim
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Brim (formerly Booby) 1.0.1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the renderer parameter to template.tpl.php in (1) barrel/, (2) barry/, (3) mylook/, (4) oerdec/, (5) penguin/, (6) sidebar/, (7) slashdot/, and (8) text-only/ in templates/. NOTE: this can also be leveraged to include and execute arbitrary local files via directory traversal sequences.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2008-2645 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in Brim (formerly Booby) version 1.0.1, a web application framework that suffered from improper input validation mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically affects the template rendering functionality where the application accepts user-supplied input through the renderer parameter in multiple template files located within the templates/ directory structure. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize or validate the renderer parameter before incorporating it into file inclusion operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the target system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through direct manipulation of the renderer parameter in requests sent to specific template files including template.tpl.php within various subdirectories such as barrel/, barry/, mylook/, oerdec/, penguin/, sidebar/, slashdot/, and text-only/. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that contain remote file inclusion payloads or local file traversal sequences, allowing them to include and execute arbitrary PHP code on the vulnerable server. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command or query, and CWE-22, which covers improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. The issue demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and sanitization that enables attackers to manipulate the application's file inclusion mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete code execution capabilities on the affected server. Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability's scope extends beyond simple remote code execution to include local file inclusion capabilities through directory traversal sequences, which broadens the attack surface significantly. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged to access sensitive system files, configuration data, and other local resources that may contain credentials or other valuable information. The attack vector operates at the application layer and can be executed without authentication, making it highly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate code-level issues and implement comprehensive security controls. The primary fix involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Applications should employ whitelisting mechanisms that only allow predefined, safe template names rather than accepting arbitrary input. Additionally, the application should disable remote file inclusion capabilities entirely and restrict file operations to predefined directories. Security controls should include implementing proper access controls, disabling dangerous PHP functions like include, require, and allow_url_include, and ensuring proper file permissions are enforced. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly focusing on the execution of malicious code through web applications and the exploitation of insecure file operations. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security audits of their web applications and implement proper input validation mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future.