CVE-2008-3399 in XRMS
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in activities/workflow-activities.php in XRMS CRM 1.99.2, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the include_directory parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3399 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in XRMS CRM version 1.99.2 that exploits the dangerous combination of improper input validation and insecure configuration practices. This vulnerability specifically targets the activities/workflow-activities.php script where the include_directory parameter is directly incorporated into a php include statement without adequate sanitization or validation. The flaw becomes exploitable when the PHP configuration has register_globals enabled, a deprecated and inherently insecure setting that automatically converts HTTP request variables into global variables, creating a dangerous attack surface.
The technical mechanism of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of command and directory traversal attacks. When register_globals is enabled, an attacker can manipulate the include_directory parameter through HTTP GET or POST requests to inject malicious file paths that will be executed by the PHP interpreter. This creates a pathway for arbitrary code execution that can be leveraged to compromise the entire web application and potentially the underlying server infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the classic pattern of insecure direct object references where user-controllable input directly influences the inclusion of system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload malicious web shells, establish persistent backdoors, or perform lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects organizations using XRMS CRM 1.99.2 in environments where register_globals remains enabled, which represents a significant security misconfiguration that violates fundamental security principles. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that register_globals was deprecated in PHP 5.3.0 and removed entirely in PHP 5.4.0, yet many legacy systems continued to operate with this dangerous configuration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3399 must address both the immediate vulnerability and underlying configuration issues. Organizations should immediately disable register_globals in their PHP configuration files and upgrade to supported versions of XRMS CRM that do not exhibit this vulnerability. The recommended approach involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization techniques that prevent malicious file paths from being processed through the include mechanism. Additionally, security controls should enforce proper access controls and implement web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious include_directory parameter values. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following ATT&CK framework tactics such as T1059.007 for remote code execution and T1190 for exploitation of remote services, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security monitoring and incident response procedures. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments to identify other instances of register_globals usage and ensure that all web applications operate with secure configuration defaults.