CVE-2008-2877 in cmsWorks
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in admin/include/lib.module.php in cmsWorks 2.2 RC4, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the mod_root parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2877 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the cmsWorks content management system version 2.2 RC4. This security weakness stems from improper input validation and unsafe file handling practices within the administrative component of the software. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where the PHP configuration parameter register_globals is enabled, creating an exploitable condition that enables remote attackers to inject malicious code through crafted URL parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the mod_root parameter within the admin/include/lib.module.php file. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from request data, including GET and POST parameters. Attackers can leverage this behavior by supplying a malicious URL in the mod_root parameter, which gets included and executed as PHP code. This creates a classic remote code execution scenario where attackers can execute arbitrary commands on the vulnerable server with the privileges of the web application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Once exploited, adversaries can upload additional malicious files, establish persistent backdoors, access sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the administrative functionality of cmsWorks, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to administrative interfaces and manipulate the entire content management system.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of argument separators in a command or query, and CWE-94, which covers improper control of generation of code. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to execute arbitrary code. The use of register_globals as an enabling factor demonstrates a common configuration flaw that has been widely documented in security literature as a significant risk factor for various injection attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to disable the register_globals directive in PHP configuration files, which effectively eliminates the exploitable condition. System administrators should also implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent unauthorized file inclusion. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to ensure the cmsWorks system remains protected against known vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect suspicious file inclusion patterns and unauthorized access attempts. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to a supported version of cmsWorks that has addressed this vulnerability and implemented secure coding practices to prevent similar issues in the future.