CVE-2008-5071 in Yoxel
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple eval injection vulnerabilities in itpm_estimate.php in Yoxel 1.23beta and earlier allow remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary PHP code via the proj_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2024
The CVE-2008-5071 vulnerability represents a critical server-side code injection flaw affecting Yoxel version 1.23beta and earlier installations. This vulnerability specifically targets the itpm_estimate.php script where improper input validation allows authenticated remote attackers to inject malicious PHP code through the proj_id parameter. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamic PHP execution contexts, creating a direct pathway for arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and falls within the broader category of injection flaws that have been consistently ranked among the top security risks by OWASP and NIST.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated user context, meaning attackers must first establish valid credentials to the application before attempting the injection attack. However, once authenticated, the attacker can manipulate the proj_id parameter to include malicious PHP code that gets executed within the server's PHP interpreter. The vulnerability occurs because the application directly uses user input in eval() function calls without proper sanitization or validation, allowing attackers to inject PHP code that gets interpreted and executed with the privileges of the web server process. This creates a significant risk of complete system compromise, as the executing code can perform operations such as file manipulation, database access, privilege escalation, and potentially command execution on the underlying operating system.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-5071 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and data breach potential. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to sensitive project data, user credentials, and system resources. The vulnerability's authenticated nature means that attackers need to obtain valid user accounts, which could be achieved through credential theft, social engineering, or other initial compromise techniques. Once exploited, the injected code can be used to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate data, or pivot to other systems within the network. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP" and T1078.004 for "Valid Accounts: Default Accounts" when attackers leverage legitimate user credentials to exploit the vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5071 focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary fix involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in dynamic code execution contexts. Applications should avoid using eval() functions with user input and instead employ parameterized queries or secure coding practices that prevent code injection. Input validation should include strict type checking, length limitations, and character set restrictions for the proj_id parameter. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and authentication mechanisms can limit the attack surface, while regular security updates and patch management ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed promptly. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Secure Coding Practices and the need for comprehensive security testing including dynamic analysis and penetration testing to identify similar injection vulnerabilities in application code.