CVE-2008-3764 in PHP Live Helper
Summary
by MITRE
Eval injection vulnerability in globalsoff.php in Turnkey PHP Live Helper 2.0.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the test parameter, and probably arbitrary parameters, to chat.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The CVE-2008-3764 vulnerability represents a critical server-side code injection flaw discovered in Turnkey PHP Live Helper version 2.0.1 and earlier. This vulnerability exists within the globalsoff.php script where improper input validation allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code through the test parameter. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper sanitization and validation of user-supplied input, creating a pathway for remote code execution that could compromise the entire web application server. The vulnerability extends beyond just the test parameter, as indicated by the description suggesting it may affect arbitrary parameters in chat.php, indicating a broader scope of potential exploitation vectors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes the weakness of allowing arbitrary code execution through insecure deserialization or injection techniques. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious payloads that get executed within the PHP runtime environment, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no special privileges to exploit and can be executed through standard web browser interactions. The injection occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user input before processing it, allowing PHP code to be interpreted and executed as part of the normal application flow.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses severe risks to organizations relying on the Turnkey PHP Live Helper platform. Remote attackers can execute arbitrary commands on the server, potentially gaining access to sensitive data, modifying application behavior, or using the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include potential data breaches, service disruption, and lateral movement within network environments. This vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP" and T1190 for "Exploit Public-Facing Application," highlighting its classification as a remote exploitation vector targeting web applications. The vulnerability's presence in multiple files suggests a systemic lack of input validation practices within the application's codebase.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3764 require immediate action including updating to a patched version of Turnkey PHP Live Helper or implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads attempting to exploit this vulnerability. The implementation of proper parameter validation, input escaping, and output encoding practices can prevent similar injection flaws from occurring in the future. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the application stack. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential damage if exploitation occurs, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous execution patterns that may indicate successful exploitation attempts.