CVE-2008-3127 in Banner Rotator
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in hioxBannerRotate.php in HIOX Banner Rotator (HBR) 1.3, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the hm parameter.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2024
The CVE-2008-3127 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the HIOX Banner Rotator version 1.3 web application. This vulnerability specifically targets the hioxBannerRotate.php script and exploits a fundamental security misconfiguration that occurs when the PHP register_globals directive is enabled. The flaw resides in how the application processes user-supplied input through the hm parameter, which is used to specify banner rotation configurations. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from request data, creating an attack surface where malicious input can be seamlessly integrated into the application's execution context. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and specifically relates to "Uncontrolled File Upload" and "Remote File Inclusion" patterns. This weakness allows attackers to inject malicious PHP code through the URL parameter, effectively bypassing normal input validation mechanisms and enabling arbitrary code execution on the target server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL with a crafted hm parameter containing a remote PHP script, the vulnerable application will include and execute that external code within the context of the web server process. This creates a persistent backdoor that can be used for data exfiltration, server compromise, and further network reconnaissance. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise and can be automated through standard web attack frameworks, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the register_globals setting remains enabled. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059.001 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP", representing the initial compromise and execution phases of an attack lifecycle. The attack chain typically begins with reconnaissance to identify the vulnerable application, followed by crafting a malicious payload that leverages the insecure parameter handling to establish remote code execution capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3127 must address both the immediate vulnerability and underlying security misconfigurations. The primary remediation involves disabling the register_globals directive in the PHP configuration, which eliminates the core condition that enables this attack vector. System administrators should also implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The application should utilize explicit file path validation and avoid dynamic inclusion of user-controllable variables. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms can provide defense-in-depth protection against similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate applications with deprecated or insecure configurations. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of following secure coding practices and maintaining up-to-date security configurations, as the issue stems from a fundamental PHP security misconfiguration rather than a complex coding error. Compliance with security standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks requires organizations to address such vulnerabilities proactively through configuration management and code review processes.