CVE-2008-5199 in IdeaBox
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in include.php in PHPOutsourcing IdeaBox (aka IdeBox) 1.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the gorumDir parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5199 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the PHPOutsourcing IdeaBox version 1.1 web application. This security weakness resides in the include.php script where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without adequate validation or sanitization. The specific parameter gorumDir serves as the attack vector, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that get processed by the application's include mechanism, thereby enabling remote code execution capabilities.
This vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-98 Improper Input Validation, specifically manifesting as a remote file inclusion attack pattern that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental lack of proper input sanitization and validation practices within the application's codebase, creating an exploitable path where attacker-controlled data flows directly into critical system operations. The PHP include function processes the provided URL parameter, effectively allowing an attacker to load and execute arbitrary PHP code from remote servers, bypassing normal application security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete remote code execution privileges on the affected server. Successful exploitation enables malicious actors to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify application functionality, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate application but potentially the entire server environment, as the executed code runs with the privileges of the web application process, which typically has broad access to system resources and database connections.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary fix involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Applications should employ whitelisting approaches where only predefined, trusted values are accepted for the gorumDir parameter, or implement absolute path validation to prevent URL-based inclusion. Additionally, the PHP configuration should disable remote file inclusion features by setting allow_url_include to off in php.ini, and developers should adopt secure coding practices that avoid dynamic file inclusion with user-controllable data. Regular security assessments and input validation testing should be integrated into the development lifecycle to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future releases. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect suspicious file inclusion activities and maintain up-to-date vulnerability management processes to ensure timely patch deployment across all affected systems.