CVE-2008-4138 in Technote
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in skin_shop/standard/3_plugin_twindow/twindow_notice.php in Technote 7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the shop_this_skin_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4138 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Technote 7 content management system, specifically affecting the skin_shop/standard/3_plugin_twindow/twindow_notice.php component. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution threats, with the potential for attackers to manipulate application behavior through improper input validation. The flaw exists due to inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input parameters, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that are subsequently processed by the application's include mechanism. The shop_this_skin_path parameter serves as the attack vector, where an attacker can supply a malicious URL that gets directly included and executed within the application context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to validate or sanitize the shop_this_skin_path parameter before using it in an include statement. When a user provides a URL through this parameter, the system does not properly verify the source or contents of the URL, enabling attackers to specify external resources that contain malicious PHP code. This creates a pathway for remote code execution where attackers can inject and execute arbitrary PHP commands on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper validation of dangerous data within the context of code execution, and represents a classic example of a remote file inclusion attack pattern.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the compromised system. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized data access, system infiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish backdoors, steal sensitive information, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks against other systems. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. Organizations using Technote 7 systems face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches if this vulnerability remains unpatched.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4138 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application code. The most effective approach involves disabling remote file inclusion functionality entirely by configuring the PHP environment to restrict include operations to local files only. Organizations should also implement strict parameter validation, ensuring that all user-supplied input is properly sanitized before processing. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version that addresses this specific vulnerability, as the original codebase lacks proper security controls. Security measures should include monitoring for suspicious file inclusion attempts and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests. The remediation process should align with ATT&CK technique T1190, which focuses on exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, emphasizing the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices to prevent such attacks from succeeding.