CVE-2008-3167 in Dolphin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in BoonEx Dolphin 6.1.2, when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) dir[plugins] parameter to (a) HTMLSax3.php and (b) safehtml.php in plugins/safehtml/ and the (2) sIncPath parameter to (c) ray/modules/global/inc/content.inc.php. NOTE: vector 1 might be a problem in SafeHTML instead of Dolphin.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2024
The CVE-2008-3167 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion vulnerability affecting BoonEx Dolphin 6.1.2 content management system. This flaw exploits the dangerous combination of PHP's register_globals directive being enabled and improper input validation in multiple plugin files. The vulnerability manifests through three distinct attack vectors that collectively create a pathway for remote code execution. The primary attack surfaces include HTMLSax3.php and safehtml.php files within the plugins/safehtml/ directory, as well as the ray/modules/global/inc/content.inc.php file where the sIncPath parameter becomes vulnerable to manipulation.
The technical exploitation occurs when the vulnerable application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from request data, creating an additional attack surface where malicious input can be seamlessly integrated into the application's execution context. The dir[plugins] parameter in HTMLSax3.php and safehtml.php accepts URL values that are directly used in include or require statements, while the sIncPath parameter in content.inc.php operates similarly. These parameters allow attackers to specify external URLs that get executed as PHP code, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries and executing arbitrary commands on the target server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain complete control over the affected web server, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and further lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the BoonEx Dolphin platform, compromising user data and system integrity. The fact that this vulnerability exists in SafeHTML module, which is designed to sanitize content, demonstrates how security mechanisms can be bypassed when fundamental input validation is absent. This creates a particularly dangerous scenario where the security layer intended to protect the system becomes a vector for exploitation.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and CWE-94, covering the execution of arbitrary code. The attack pattern corresponds to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage. The vulnerability represents a classic example of how legacy PHP configurations and insufficient input validation can create persistent security risks. Organizations using BoonEx Dolphin 6.1.2 should immediately implement mitigations including disabling register_globals, implementing proper input sanitization, and applying the latest security patches. Additionally, network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper input validation and the dangers of legacy PHP configurations that enable automatic variable creation from external requests.
The remediation approach requires immediate patching of the BoonEx Dolphin application to version 6.1.3 or later, which addresses these specific inclusion vulnerabilities. System administrators should also disable register_globals in their PHP configurations as this directive creates inherent security risks. Input validation mechanisms should be strengthened to prevent URL inclusion in parameter values, and all external input should be properly sanitized before processing. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file inclusion patterns and unusual network traffic originating from compromised systems. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.