CVE-2008-4529 in asiCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in asiCMS alpha 0.208 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the _ENV[asicms][path] parameter to (1) Association.php, (2) BigMath.php, (3) DiffieHellman.php, (4) DumbStore.php, (5) Extension.php, (6) FileStore.php, (7) HMAC.php, (8) MemcachedStore.php, (9) Message.php, (10) Nonce.php, (11) SQLStore.php, (12) SReg.php, (13) TrustRoot.php, and (14) URINorm.php in classes/Auth/OpenID/; and (15) XRDS.php, (16) XRI.php and (17) XRIRes.php in classes/Auth/Yadis/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2024
The CVE-2008-4529 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting asiCMS alpha 0.208, specifically targeting PHP applications that utilize the OpenID authentication framework. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the authentication component, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on vulnerable systems. The flaw manifests in multiple files within the classes/Auth/OpenID/ and classes/Auth/Yadis/ directories, indicating a systemic issue in how the application handles path parameters during authentication processes. The vulnerability operates by allowing attackers to manipulate the _ENV[asicms][path] parameter, which is then processed without adequate security checks, enabling remote code execution through crafted URLs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. This flaw enables attackers to leverage the application's trust in user-supplied data to load and execute malicious code from remote servers. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it targets core authentication files that are essential for the application's security framework, potentially allowing attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms entirely. The vulnerability affects a broad range of files including Association.php, BigMath.php, and various cryptographic implementation files, demonstrating that the flaw exists at a fundamental level within the application's architecture rather than being isolated to a single component.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk for systems running asiCMS alpha 0.208, as it allows remote attackers to gain full control over affected servers. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious URLs that reference external PHP files, which are then included and executed by the vulnerable application. This capability enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including data theft, system compromise, and establishment of backdoors. The vulnerability's widespread impact across multiple authentication-related files means that any attempt to use the application's authentication features could potentially be exploited, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that rely heavily on user authentication. The attack surface is further expanded due to the nature of the OpenID protocol implementation, which often requires external resource loading and validation.
Security mitigations for CVE-2008-4529 should focus on implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The recommended approach includes disabling remote file inclusion features entirely by configuring PHP with appropriate settings such as allowing_url_fopen and allow_url_include set to off. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation and use whitelisting techniques to restrict acceptable values for path parameters. Additionally, the application should employ secure coding practices including the use of absolute paths for file operations and implementing proper error handling that does not expose sensitive system information. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables remote code execution through web application exploitation. The vulnerability also aligns with T1210 - Exploitation of Remote Services, as it represents a direct exploitation of the application's authentication services to gain unauthorized access. System administrators should also implement network monitoring to detect suspicious file inclusion patterns and ensure that all web applications are regularly updated to address known vulnerabilities in third-party components and frameworks.