CVE-2008-3183 in cms
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in ktmlpro/includes/ktedit/toolbar.php in gapicms 9.0.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the dirDepth parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-3183 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting gapicms version 9.0.2, specifically within the ktmlpro component. This issue resides in the toolbar.php file located at ktmlpro/includes/ktedit/toolbar.php and demonstrates a classic security weakness that has been documented in numerous cybersecurity frameworks including CWE-88 and CWE-94. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs into the dirDepth parameter which then gets processed by the application without proper security checks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize the dirDepth parameter before using it in file inclusion operations. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the dirDepth value, the application processes this input directly in a context where it could be interpreted as a file path or URL for inclusion. This creates a scenario where remote code execution becomes possible, as the application essentially downloads and executes code from an external server controlled by the attacker. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for execution of malicious code through web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for any organization running affected gapicms installations. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate application but can also serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration, especially when combined with other exploitation techniques. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues and significant financial losses due to potential data breaches and system downtime.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3183 should include immediate patching of the affected gapicms version to the latest secure release, as well as implementing input validation controls to prevent unsanitized user data from being used in file inclusion operations. Security measures should include disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations, implementing proper parameter sanitization, and using allowlist-based validation for all user-supplied inputs. Organizations should also deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting this specific vulnerability pattern, and conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other components of their web applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and maintaining up-to-date software versions as outlined in industry standards such as those defined by the Open Web Application Security Project and the Center for Internet Security benchmarks.