CVE-2008-3402 in HIOX Random Ad
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in HIOX Browser Statistics (HBS) 2.0 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the hm parameter to (1) hioxupdate.php and (2) hioxstats.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The CVE-2008-3402 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting HIOX Browser Statistics version 2.0, a web-based analytics tool designed to track and report browser usage statistics. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input within the hm parameter, which is processed in two key files: hioxupdate.php and hioxstats.php. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, fundamentally compromising the system's security posture and potentially leading to full system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the HBS application's parameter handling mechanisms. When the hm parameter is passed to either hioxupdate.php or hioxstats.php, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before using it in file inclusion operations. This creates an exploitable condition where an attacker can craft a malicious URL containing PHP code within the hm parameter, which gets executed on the target server when the vulnerable script processes the request. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and falls under the broader category of code injection flaws that enable arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-3402 extends far beyond simple data theft or disruption, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, complete system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, exfiltrate confidential information, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks against other systems. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell," and T1505.003, "Server Software Component: Web Shell," as attackers can establish persistent access through the executed PHP code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3402 should focus on immediate patching and input validation improvements. Organizations should prioritize updating to the latest version of HIOX Browser Statistics that addresses this vulnerability, as the original version 2.0 is no longer supported. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures, including whitelisting acceptable parameter values, can prevent exploitation attempts. Web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block requests containing suspicious patterns in the hm parameter. Network segmentation and least privilege access controls can also limit the potential damage if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly for applications that process user-supplied data for dynamic content inclusion, aligning with security standards that emphasize the prevention of code injection attacks through proper sanitization and validation mechanisms.