CVE-2008-3166 in Ray
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in modules/global/inc/content.inc.php in BoonEx Ray 3.5, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the sIncPath parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3166 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the BoonEx Ray 3.5 content management system. This vulnerability specifically targets the modules/global/inc/content.inc.php file and exploits a fundamental security weakness that arises when the PHP configuration parameter register_globals is enabled. The flaw occurs because the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input passed through the sIncPath parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the permissive PHP configuration that automatically creates global variables from request data, which was a common practice in older PHP applications but has been deprecated due to security concerns.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a remote attacker to craft a malicious request that includes a URL in the sIncPath parameter, which is then processed by the vulnerable script without adequate input validation. When register_globals is enabled, the application essentially treats the sIncPath parameter as a global variable, allowing attackers to inject malicious code that gets executed during the inclusion process. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-88, which specifically addresses the improper handling of command line arguments that can lead to injection attacks. The attack vector operates through the standard HTTP protocol, making it accessible to anyone who can send requests to the vulnerable web application, regardless of their location or authentication status.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to completely compromise the affected server. Once successfully exploited, attackers can upload additional malicious files, establish persistent backdoors, access sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks against other systems. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate application but also the entire server environment, as the executed code runs with the privileges of the web server process. This makes it particularly attractive to threat actors who may seek to use the compromised server for botnet activities, data exfiltration, or as a staging area for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically under the T1059.001 technique for command and scripting interpreter, and T1190 for exploit public-facing application.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3166 require immediate action to address both the immediate vulnerability and underlying security configuration issues. The most effective immediate fix involves disabling the register_globals directive in the PHP configuration file, which prevents the automatic creation of global variables from request data. Additionally, developers should implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The application code should be modified to use whitelisting approaches for file paths or implement strict path validation that prevents traversal attacks. Security best practices dictate that all user inputs should be treated as untrusted and validated before processing, with proper error handling to prevent information disclosure. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls, input filtering mechanisms, and regular security audits to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and the dangers of relying on deprecated PHP configurations that were once common but have since been recognized as significant security risks.