CVE-2008-4735 in CoAST
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in header.php in Concord Asset, Software, and Ticket system (CoAST) 0.95 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the sections_file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4735 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Concord Asset, Software, and Ticket system version 0.95. This vulnerability specifically targets the header.php component of the CoAST platform, exposing the system to unauthorized code execution capabilities. The flaw resides in how the application processes the sections_file parameter, which accepts URL inputs without proper validation or sanitization. This creates a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, fundamentally compromising the system's integrity and security posture.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the sections_file parameter within the header.php file. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the value for this parameter, the application fails to validate the input properly, allowing the system to include and execute the remote file. This behavior aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and proper parameter sanitization, enabling attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute malicious code with the privileges of the web application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with full control over the affected system. Once exploited, adversaries can upload additional malicious files, establish persistent backdoors, or escalate privileges to gain administrative access to the entire CoAST platform. The vulnerability affects not only the web application itself but also potentially compromises any data stored within the system, including user credentials, asset information, and ticketing data. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such systems often serve as central repositories for critical business information and may be integrated with other security infrastructure.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and parameter sanitization for all user-supplied data, particularly those parameters used in file inclusion operations. The implementation of a whitelist approach for file inclusion parameters, where only pre-approved files or URLs are permitted, provides an effective defense mechanism. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version that properly validates and sanitizes all input parameters. From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which describes the execution of code through PHP, and T1190, covering the exploitation of remote file inclusion vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar patterns in other applications, as this type of vulnerability is commonly found in legacy systems and applications that have not undergone proper security hardening processes.