CVE-2008-5288 in FAQ Manager
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in include/header.php in Werner Hilversum FAQ Manager 1.2, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the config_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2025
The CVE-2008-5288 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Werner Hilversum FAQ Manager version 1.2 software. This vulnerability specifically targets the include/header.php file and exploits a dangerous configuration setting known as register_globals being enabled on the web server. The flaw arises from the application's improper handling of user-supplied input through the config_path parameter, which directly influences the include statement execution. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from request data, making it possible for attackers to manipulate application behavior through crafted HTTP requests. The vulnerability operates under CWE-98 which categorizes improper input validation leading to code execution, specifically focusing on the insecure use of include or require functions with user-controllable variables.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious HTTP request containing a URL in the config_path parameter value. When the vulnerable application processes this parameter, it passes the user-controlled input directly to the include statement without proper sanitization or validation. This creates a path traversal condition where the application attempts to include a remote file from an attacker-controlled location. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for arbitrary code execution, enabling attackers to run malicious PHP scripts on the target server. The attack vector leverages the fundamental principle of remote file inclusion where the include function is used with a variable that contains attacker-controlled data, making it susceptible to manipulation through HTTP parameters.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-5288 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server. Once successfully exploited, attackers can execute arbitrary PHP code, upload malicious files, establish backdoors, and potentially escalate privileges within the server environment. The vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, and server-based attacks against other systems within the network. Organizations running this vulnerable software face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential regulatory violations. The impact extends beyond immediate system compromise to include long-term security implications such as persistent access, data exfiltration, and the ability to use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers exploitation of remote services and T1059 which involves execution through PHP scripts, making it a critical concern for security operations teams.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5288 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The primary recommendation is to disable the register_globals configuration setting in PHP, which is a fundamental security measure that prevents the automatic creation of global variables from request data. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in include or require statements. The application should be updated to a patched version that properly validates and escapes all input parameters before processing. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, network segmentation, and monitoring for unusual file inclusion patterns can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Security best practices include using absolute paths for include statements, implementing whitelisting for valid file paths, and ensuring that the application runs with minimal required privileges. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper configuration management in preventing remote code execution exploits.