CVE-2008-2912 in Contenido
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Contenido CMS 4.8.4 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) contenido_path parameter to (a) contenido/backend_search.php; the (2) cfg[path][contenido] parameter to (b) move_articles.php, (c) move_old_stats.php, (d) optimize_database.php, (e) run_newsletter_job.php, (f) send_reminder.php, (g) session_cleanup.php, and (h) setfrontenduserstate.php in contenido/cronjobs/, and (i) includes/include.newsletter_jobs_subnav.php and (j) plugins/content_allocation/includes/include.right_top.php in contenido/; the (3) cfg[path][templates] parameter to (k) includes/include.newsletter_jobs_subnav.php and (l) plugins/content_allocation/includes/include.right_top.php in contenido/; and the (4) cfg[templates][right_top_blank] parameter to (m) plugins/content_allocation/includes/include.right_top.php and (n) contenido/includes/include.newsletter_jobs_subnav.php in contenido/, different vectors than CVE-2006-5380.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-2912 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Contenido CMS 4.8.4, which falls under the CWE-88 category of Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command. This vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by manipulating specific parameters within the application's request handling mechanism. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into file paths or include statements, creating a pathway for malicious code execution.
Multiple attack vectors exist across different PHP scripts within the Contenido CMS framework, each demonstrating the same fundamental flaw in parameter handling. The first vector involves the contenido_path parameter in backend_search.php, while the second set targets the cfg[path][contenido] parameter across several cronjob scripts including move_articles.php, move_old_stats.php, optimize_database.php, run_newsletter_job.php, send_reminder.php, session_cleanup.php, and setfrontenduserstate.php. Additionally, the vulnerability extends to include files in the plugins/content_allocation directory and newsletter job subnavigation components. These diverse attack surfaces amplify the potential impact and exploitation complexity of the vulnerability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target server with the privileges of the web application. This could result in complete system compromise, data theft, or unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1059.001 for command and script injection, and T1566 for phishing with social engineering. Attackers could leverage this flaw to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing strict input validation and sanitization across all user-supplied parameters. The recommended approach includes employing a whitelist-based validation system where only predetermined, safe values are accepted for configuration parameters. Additionally, disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP configuration and implementing proper input filtering using functions like filter_var with appropriate filters can significantly reduce the risk. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that web applications run with minimal necessary permissions and that file inclusion paths are hardcoded rather than dynamically constructed from user input. Regular updates and patch management procedures should be implemented to address such vulnerabilities promptly and maintain overall system security posture.