CVE-2008-2690 in BrowserCRM
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in BrowserCRM 5.002.00, when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the bcrm_pub_root parameter to (1) kb.php, (2) login.php, (3) index.php, (4) contact_view.php, and (5) contact.php in pub/, different vectors than CVE-2008-2689. 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 • 04/10/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-2690 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting BrowserCRM version 5.002.00 that operates under specific dangerous conditions. This vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically relating to the manipulation of input parameters that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw manifests when the PHP configuration parameter register_globals is enabled, creating a dangerous environment where user-supplied data can directly influence the global namespace and subsequently affect script execution flows.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the bcrm_pub_root parameter across multiple entry points within the application's pub directory, including kb.php, login.php, index.php, contact_view.php, and contact.php. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that manipulate this parameter to include and execute arbitrary PHP code from remote servers. The vulnerability is particularly severe because it affects multiple files within the application's public directory structure, amplifying the potential attack surface and providing multiple vectors for exploitation. The flaw leverages the insecure handling of user input parameters that are directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without proper validation or sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the web server process. This can result in complete system compromise, data theft, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only a simple HTTP request with a malicious payload, making it highly accessible to attackers with basic technical skills. The fact that this vulnerability operates under the dangerous configuration of register_globals being enabled significantly increases the attack surface, as this setting was historically discouraged due to its security implications and was removed in later PHP versions.
The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote file inclusion vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems. This vulnerability demonstrates the classic path of exploitation where an attacker manipulates input parameters to include remote files, bypassing normal security controls. The attack chain typically involves the attacker crafting a malicious URL that includes a remote PHP script, which then gets executed by the vulnerable application when the bcrm_pub_root parameter is processed. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects core application files that handle user authentication, content management, and contact information, providing attackers with access to sensitive business data and user information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate exposure and underlying configuration issues. The most effective immediate solution is to disable the register_globals directive in the PHP configuration, which eliminates the core condition enabling this attack vector. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters is essential to prevent malicious data from being processed in file inclusion operations. The application should employ a whitelist approach for parameter validation, ensuring that only predefined, safe values are accepted for the bcrm_pub_root parameter. Security headers and proper access controls should also be implemented to limit the exposure of vulnerable files and reduce the attack surface. Organizations should conduct thorough code reviews to identify similar patterns and ensure that all file inclusion operations use secure methods that do not directly incorporate user input.