CVE-2008-3922 in AWStats Totals
Summary
by MITRE
awstatstotals.php in AWStats Totals 1.0 through 1.14 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via PHP sequences in the sort parameter, which is used by the multisort function when dynamically creating an anonymous PHP function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3922 affects AWStats Totals versions 1.0 through 1.14, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that exploits improper input validation mechanisms within the awstatstotals.php script. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied data through the sort parameter, which is processed through a multisort function that dynamically generates anonymous PHP functions. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious PHP code sequences directly into the application's execution flow, bypassing normal security boundaries and potentially allowing full system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize or validate the sort parameter before incorporating it into dynamic PHP code generation. When the multisort function processes user input, it constructs anonymous PHP functions based on the provided sort parameter without adequate filtering or escaping mechanisms. This creates a classic code injection vulnerability where attacker-controlled data becomes executable PHP code, directly executing arbitrary commands on the target server. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and specifically relates to the improper handling of dynamic code execution contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides remote attackers with complete control over the affected server. Once exploited, attackers can execute system commands, access sensitive data, modify files, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects web servers running AWStats Totals, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on web-based analytics tools for monitoring their infrastructure. The attack surface extends beyond simple code execution to include potential privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and system reconnaissance activities that align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3922 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. Organizations should immediately upgrade to AWStats Totals version 1.15 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched through proper input validation and sanitization of the sort parameter. Additionally, implementing proper parameter validation, input escaping, and output encoding mechanisms can prevent similar issues in other applications. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense, while regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar injection vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user inputs, particularly those used in dynamic code generation contexts, and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against code injection attacks.