CVE-2008-5167 in Orca
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in layout/default/params.php in Boonex Orca 2.0 and 2.0.2, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the gConf[dir][layouts] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-5167 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Boonex Orca social networking platform version 2.0 and 2.0.2. This vulnerability specifically targets the layout/default/params.php file and exploits a dangerous configuration weakness that occurs when the PHP register_globals directive is enabled. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious URLs into the gConf[dir][layouts] parameter, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution on the affected server. The vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of user-supplied input, which is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without adequate validation or sanitization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the gConf[dir][layouts] parameter, which is processed in the params.php file without proper input validation. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from GET, POST, and cookie data, making it possible for attackers to directly influence the application's behavior by injecting malicious URLs into the parameter. The flaw falls under CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically highlighting the dangerous practice of incorporating user input directly into file inclusion operations. This vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insecure input handling that enables attackers to bypass normal application security controls and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for any organization running affected versions of Boonex Orca. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or the installation of backdoors. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, establish persistent access, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate application but also potentially exposes the entire hosting environment to compromise, as the executed code runs with the privileges of the web server. This represents a critical security risk that could result in significant financial loss, data breaches, and reputational damage for affected organizations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling the register_globals directive in the PHP configuration, which eliminates the core condition that enables this attack. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, ensuring that any data used in file inclusion operations undergoes strict validation. The application code should be modified to use whitelisting approaches for file inclusion parameters, rejecting any input that does not match predefined safe values. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, network segmentation, and regular security monitoring can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through PHP, highlighting the importance of validating all dynamic code execution paths and following secure coding practices that prevent the inclusion of untrusted input in critical operations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across their entire application portfolio.