CVE-2008-4719 in openengine
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in cms/classes/openengine/filepool.php in openEngine 2.0 beta2, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the oe_classpath parameter, a different vector than CVE-2008-4329.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-4719 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the openEngine content management system version 2.0 beta2. This security weakness specifically targets the filepool.php component located in the cms/classes/openengine directory structure. The vulnerability manifests when the PHP configuration parameter register_globals is enabled, creating a dangerous condition that allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The attack vector utilizes the oe_classpath parameter, which serves as an entry point for remote code execution through manipulation of URL parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the dangerous behavior of register_globals, a PHP configuration setting that automatically creates global variables from GET, POST, and cookie data. When enabled, this setting transforms user-supplied input into accessible global variables, eliminating the need for explicit variable declaration. Attackers can manipulate the oe_classpath parameter to point to malicious remote files, effectively bypassing local file inclusion restrictions and gaining unauthorized access to execute arbitrary code. This mechanism operates outside the typical file inclusion validation processes, making it particularly insidious and difficult to detect through standard security measures.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4719 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially enabling them to access sensitive data, modify content, establish backdoors, or launch further attacks against internal network resources. The vulnerability affects organizations running openEngine 2.0 beta2 with register_globals enabled, creating a significant risk for web applications that have not properly configured their PHP environments. This flaw particularly impacts web applications where user input is not properly sanitized or validated before being processed by the application's file inclusion mechanisms.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability require immediate attention through multiple defensive measures. The primary recommendation involves disabling the register_globals PHP configuration setting, which eliminates the core condition that enables this attack vector. Additionally, proper input validation and sanitization must be implemented throughout the application to prevent malicious URL parameters from being processed. The implementation of proper access controls and secure coding practices, including the use of allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives set to false, provides additional layers of protection. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious parameter manipulation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an input command, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the threat. Regular security audits and patch management procedures should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future versions of the software.