CVE-2008-2885 in ODARS
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in src/browser/resource/categories/resource_categories_view.php in Open Digital Assets Repository System (ODARS) 1.0.2, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the CLASSES_ROOT parameter.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2885 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Open Digital Assets Repository System version 1.0.2. This issue specifically affects the resource_categories_view.php script located in the src/browser/resource/categories directory of the application. The vulnerability arises from the application's improper handling of user-supplied input when register_globals is enabled, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The CLASSES_ROOT parameter serves as the attack vector, where an attacker can inject a malicious URL that gets included and executed as PHP code.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-88 category of Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command, which is a subset of the broader CWE-94 category for Code Injection. The flaw operates at the intersection of input validation and code execution, where the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the CLASSES_ROOT parameter before incorporating it into the PHP include statement. When register_globals is enabled, the vulnerability becomes exploitable because the application treats user input as global variables, bypassing normal security boundaries. The attack exploits the fundamental principle that user-controllable input should never be directly used in dynamic code execution contexts without proper validation and sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for organizations using ODARS 1.0.2. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain complete control over the affected server, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive digital assets. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system. This vulnerability directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, where attackers target applications accessible from the internet. The compromise of the server can result in unauthorized access to digital asset repositories, potential data exfiltration, and establishment of persistent backdoors for future attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate exploitation vector and the underlying configuration issues. The most effective immediate fix involves disabling the register_globals directive in the PHP configuration, which removes the primary enabling condition for this attack. Additionally, proper input validation and sanitization should be implemented for all user-controllable parameters, particularly those used in include or require statements. The application code should be modified to use absolute paths or predefined whitelists for resource inclusion rather than accepting user-supplied URLs. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and network segmentation to limit exposure of vulnerable applications. The remediation approach aligns with the principle of least privilege and input validation, which are fundamental security practices recommended by both NIST and ISO 27001 standards. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security configuration issues within the application.