CVE-2008-4134 in phpRealty
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in manager/static/view.php in phpRealty 0.03 and earlier, and possibly other versions before 0.05, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the INC parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4134 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the phpRealty real estate management system version 0.03 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the manager/static/view.php script where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the INC parameter which is used to determine which view file should be included and executed within the application context. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an eval-like context, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code due to insufficient input validation in dynamic code execution contexts.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the INC parameter to the vulnerable view.php script. The application processes this input without adequate sanitization, allowing the attacker to inject arbitrary PHP code that gets executed within the web server context. This creates a severe attack surface where remote code execution becomes possible, enabling attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including data exfiltration, server compromise, and further network infiltration. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic path traversal and code injection pattern that has been documented in numerous security frameworks and attack methodologies, including those referenced in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under techniques related to command and control operations and privilege escalation through code injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data compromise, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Once exploited, attackers can upload additional malicious payloads, establish persistent backdoors, and use the compromised server as a launch point for attacking other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects not just the specific version mentioned but potentially other versions before 0.05, indicating a broader scope of affected systems that would require comprehensive security assessments. Organizations running vulnerable versions of phpRealty face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations, particularly in environments where sensitive real estate data is processed. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor input validation practices that align with common security misconfigurations and inadequate application security controls that are frequently targeted in automated scanning and exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to phpRealty version 0.05 or later, which contains the necessary patches to prevent the vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should implement input validation mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, particularly for parameters used in file inclusion operations. The implementation of proper access controls and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring and filtering malicious requests before they reach the vulnerable application code. Security hardening measures should include disabling remote file inclusion capabilities within PHP configurations and implementing strict file inclusion path validation to prevent attackers from specifying arbitrary URLs. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scans to identify similar weaknesses in their web applications, ensuring that the remediation efforts align with established security frameworks such as those recommended by NIST and ISO/IEC 27001 for web application security controls and risk management practices.