CVE-2008-4137 in Php Crawler
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in footer.php in PHP-Crawler 0.8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the footer_file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4137 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within PHP-Crawler version 0.8, specifically affecting the footer.php component of the application. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into the application's execution flow. The affected parameter, footer_file, accepts URL values that are directly processed without proper security checks, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. Such vulnerabilities fall under the category of CWE-98, which specifically addresses "Include File Injection" and represents a well-documented attack vector in web application security.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the footer_file parameter, which is then included in the footer.php script. PHP-Crawler's failure to validate or sanitize this input allows the application to treat the malicious URL as a legitimate file path, resulting in the remote execution of attacker-controlled code. This type of vulnerability enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including but not limited to arbitrary code execution, data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and establishment of persistent backdoors within the compromised environment. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote file inclusion to execute malicious code on target systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Attackers leveraging this flaw can manipulate the web application to serve malicious content, potentially leading to further exploitation of the underlying infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the application, as unauthorized parties can gain access to system resources and modify application behavior. Organizations running PHP-Crawler 0.8 are particularly vulnerable to attacks that could result in data breaches, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within network environments. This type of vulnerability is classified as a high-severity issue in cybersecurity risk assessments due to its potential for widespread impact.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4137 should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization measures to prevent unauthorized file inclusion. The most effective approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing URL schemes or potentially malicious file paths. Organizations should also consider disabling remote file inclusion features within their PHP configurations and implementing proper access controls to limit file inclusion capabilities. Additionally, regular security updates and patches should be applied to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed promptly. The remediation process should include comprehensive code review to identify similar patterns in other application components and implementation of secure coding practices that prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future development cycles.