CVE-2008-3769 in Freeway
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in admin/create_order_new.php in Freeway 1.4.1.171, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the include_page parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3769 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Freeway e-commerce platform version 1.4.1.171. This weakness exists in the administrative component of the software, specifically in the create_order_new.php file, where improper input validation and sanitization creates an avenue for malicious exploitation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous when the PHP configuration has register_globals enabled, a deprecated setting that automatically converts HTTP request variables into global variables, significantly expanding the attack surface. The flaw manifests when an attacker can manipulate the include_page parameter through HTTP requests, enabling them to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically to CWE-94, which covers inadequate control of generation of code. The technical implementation involves the insecure use of user-controllable input within include or require statements, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before using it in the file inclusion process. When register_globals is enabled, the application's handling of HTTP GET parameters becomes particularly dangerous as these parameters are automatically converted into global variables, allowing attackers to manipulate the execution flow of the application. The attacker can leverage this by crafting malicious URLs that point to external resources or local files containing malicious PHP code, effectively bypassing normal access controls and gaining unauthorized code execution capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Successful exploitation enables remote code execution, allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, modify application behavior, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the administrative functionality of the e-commerce platform, potentially compromising not only the web server but also the underlying database and customer information stored within the system. Given that this affects a core e-commerce platform, the consequences extend beyond simple code execution to include financial fraud, data breaches, and complete system compromise. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploitation of remote services, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can leverage the vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands through PHP code injection.
The primary mitigation strategies involve immediate patching of the affected Freeway version to address the input validation issues in the create_order_new.php file. Organizations should disable the register_globals PHP configuration setting, which is a critical security measure that eliminates one of the primary attack vectors. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within the application code is essential, including the use of allowlists for file inclusion parameters and proper escaping of user-controllable inputs. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense in depth, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other components of the application. The remediation process should also include disabling unnecessary PHP features and ensuring that all third-party components are kept up to date with the latest security patches. System administrators should monitor for suspicious file inclusion patterns and implement proper access controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation attempts.