CVE-2008-3455 in PHP Hosting Directory
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in include/admin.php in JnSHosts PHP Hosting Directory 2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the rd parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The CVE-2008-3455 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the JnSHosts PHP Hosting Directory 2.0 web application, classified under CWE-88 as improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression. This vulnerability specifically affects the include/admin.php script where the rd parameter is not properly sanitized, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The flaw stems from the application's insecure handling of user-supplied input that is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without adequate validation or sanitization mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing PHP code within the rd parameter of the include/admin.php endpoint. When the web application processes this parameter without proper input validation, it attempts to include the specified remote file, thereby executing the injected PHP code with the privileges of the web server process. This creates a severe security risk as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to the server, execute commands, steal sensitive data, or deploy additional malware. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of CWE-94, which addresses execution of arbitrary code, and CWE-20, which covers improper input validation, making it a particularly dangerous flaw in the context of web application security.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-3455 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data breach potential. Attackers can use this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, and conduct reconnaissance activities against the underlying network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly attractive to threat actors. Additionally, the flaw demonstrates poor security practices in input handling and file inclusion operations that are consistent with the ATT&CK framework's initial access techniques, specifically targeting the 'Web Application Exploitation' tactic and 'Remote File Inclusion' technique. Organizations running affected versions of JnSHosts PHP Hosting Directory 2.0 face significant risk of unauthorized system compromise and potential regulatory violations due to the exposure of sensitive data and systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3455 require immediate implementation of input validation and parameter sanitization measures to prevent the inclusion of external URLs in file operations. System administrators should disable remote file inclusion functionality entirely and implement strict whitelisting of acceptable file paths for inclusion operations. The most effective remediation involves updating to the latest version of JnSHosts PHP Hosting Directory 2.0 where the vulnerability has been patched, or implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious requests containing suspicious URL patterns. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and implement proper security coding practices that align with industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of validating all user inputs and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against remote code execution attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.