CVE-2008-5206 in MosXML
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in modules/mod_mainmenu.php in MosXML 1 Alpha allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5206 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the MosXML 1 Alpha content management system, specifically affecting the modules/mod_mainmenu.php component. This vulnerability resides in the improper handling of user-supplied input parameters, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The flaw manifests when the application fails to adequately validate or sanitize the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter, which is processed during the menu module initialization process. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs that are passed as values to this parameter, effectively allowing them to include and execute remote PHP files from external servers. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes the improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter within the mod_mainmenu.php module, where the application constructs paths using user-provided input without proper validation. When a malicious user supplies a URL as the value for this parameter, the application processes it as a legitimate path specification, ultimately allowing the inclusion of remote files that contain malicious PHP code. This flaw typically requires no authentication and can be exploited through simple web requests, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application is accessible to unauthenticated users. The vulnerability's classification as a remote file inclusion issue places it within the broader category of web application vulnerabilities that enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on target systems, often leading to full system compromise and persistent access. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a URL that includes the malicious payload, which is then processed by the vulnerable application and executed on the server side, potentially enabling attackers to establish backdoors, exfiltrate data, or perform additional malicious activities.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-5206 extends far beyond immediate code execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the affected system. Once successfully exploited, attackers can gain complete control over the web server, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's presence in a content management system like MosXML makes it particularly attractive to attackers, as these systems often contain sensitive information and serve as central points of access for organizations. Organizations running affected versions of MosXML are at significant risk of unauthorized access, data theft, and potential regulatory violations, especially if the system contains personal or confidential information. The vulnerability's exploitation can also lead to the deployment of web shells, which provide attackers with ongoing access to the compromised system, making detection and remediation more challenging. Additionally, the ease of exploitation means that this vulnerability could be leveraged in automated attacks, amplifying its potential impact across multiple targets simultaneously. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as a critical threat requiring immediate attention and remediation to prevent unauthorized access to their systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5206 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves applying patches or updates from the software vendor to address the specific vulnerability in the mod_mainmenu.php component. Organizations should also implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious input from being processed by the application. This includes implementing proper parameter validation that rejects URLs or external references in path parameters, as well as enabling secure coding practices that prevent the inclusion of user-supplied data in file operations. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block exploitation attempts, while regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing the principle of least privilege, limiting the permissions of web applications to reduce potential damage from successful exploits. The remediation process should also include monitoring for signs of exploitation attempts and establishing incident response procedures to quickly address any successful attacks. Regular security training for developers and system administrators is essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future code developments, and implementing proper code review processes can help identify and address potential security flaws before they are deployed in production environments.