CVE-2008-3721 in DMCMS
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in user_language.php in DeeEmm CMS (DMCMS) 0.7.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the language_dir parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The CVE-2008-3721 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw discovered in the DeeEmm CMS version 0.7.4, specifically within the user_language.php script. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input passed through the language_dir parameter, allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs that get included and executed as PHP code. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain full system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of the language_dir parameter which is used to determine the directory containing language files for the CMS interface. When user input flows directly into the include or require statements without proper sanitization, attackers can manipulate the parameter to point to external malicious resources. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple HTTP requests that include crafted URLs in the language_dir parameter. This flaw aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper control of code generation, and represents a classic example of a remote code execution vulnerability that has been prevalent in web applications for many years.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform a wide range of malicious activities including data theft, system compromise, and further lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify website content, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require authentication, making it particularly attractive to threat actors who can target vulnerable installations without prior access credentials. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for command and script injection, specifically focusing on PHP code execution through remote file inclusion methods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3721 should focus on immediate patching of the affected CMS version, as the vulnerability has been known since 2008 and patched versions are readily available. Organizations should implement input validation measures that sanitize all user-supplied parameters before they are processed by the application, particularly those used in include or require statements. The implementation of a whitelist approach for language directory parameters, where only pre-approved directories are allowed, provides an effective defense mechanism. Additionally, disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP configuration and implementing proper web application firewalls can significantly reduce the attack surface. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious URL patterns in web server logs, particularly those containing external domain references or unusual file extensions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, which emphasize the need for robust parameter validation and secure coding standards to prevent such critical vulnerabilities from being exploited in production environments.