CVE-2008-5060 in ModernBill
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in ModernBill 4.4 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the DIR parameter to (1) export_batch.inc.php, (2) run_auto_suspend.cron.php, and (3) send_email_cache.php in include/scripts/; (4) include/misc/mod_2checkout/2checkout_return.inc.php; and (5) include/html/nettools.popup.php, different vectors than CVE-2006-4034 and CVE-2005-1054.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-5060 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting ModernBill version 4.4 and earlier systems. This security weakness stems from improper input validation within the application's include mechanisms, specifically targeting the DIR parameter across multiple script files. The vulnerability allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code execution by manipulating the DIR parameter with external URLs, creating a direct pathway for remote code execution attacks. The affected files include export_batch.inc.php, run_auto_suspend.cron.php, send_email_cache.php located in the include/scripts/ directory, as well as 2checkout_return.inc.php within include/misc/mod_2checkout/, and nettools.popup.php in include/html/nettools.popup.php. These diverse attack vectors demonstrate the widespread nature of the vulnerability across different functional modules of the ModernBill application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically manifesting as a remote file inclusion vulnerability. The flaw occurs when the application directly incorporates user-supplied input into include statements without proper sanitization or validation. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious URLs in the DIR parameter that point to remote servers hosting malicious PHP payloads. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under the ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services, specifically targeting web application vulnerabilities. The absence of proper input validation creates a path where attacker-controlled content can be executed as PHP code, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-5060 is severe and far-reaching for affected ModernBill installations. Successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target server, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or service disruption. The vulnerability affects critical system components including batch export functionality, automated suspension processes, email sending capabilities, and payment processing modules. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive customer data, manipulate billing records, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The widespread presence of this vulnerability across multiple script files increases the attack surface significantly, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on ModernBill for their billing operations. The vulnerability also poses risks to the integrity of financial transactions and customer information management systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5060 should focus on immediate patching of the affected ModernBill versions to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent user-supplied data from being processed in include statements. The recommended approach includes disabling the use of external URLs in include parameters, implementing whitelist validation for all input, and ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped before being processed. Network-level mitigations such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection by monitoring for suspicious URL patterns in the DIR parameter. Security hardening practices should include restricting file inclusion capabilities to local paths only, implementing proper access controls, and conducting regular security assessments of the application code. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for web application processes and regularly updating all third-party components to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future versions.