CVE-2008-5332 in Pie
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Pie 0.5.3 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) lib parameter to files in lib/action/ including (a) alias.php, (b) cancel.php, (c) context.php, (d) deadlinks.php, (e) delete.php, and others; and the (2) GLOBALS[pie][library_path] parameter to files in lib/share/ including (f) diff.php, (g) file.php, (h) locale.php, (i) mapfile.php, (j) page.php, and others.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2024
The CVE-2008-5332 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Pie 0.5.3, a web-based content management system that was widely deployed in the late 2000s. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the application's file inclusion mechanisms, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target server. The flaw manifests in two distinct attack vectors that target different directories within the application's codebase, specifically the lib/action/ and lib/share/ directories. The vulnerability operates under the CWE-98 weakness category, which encompasses improper input validation leading to code execution through file inclusion mechanisms. This classification aligns with the broader ATT&CK framework's T1190 technique for exploitation of remote file inclusion vulnerabilities, where adversaries leverage insecure parameter handling to inject malicious file paths.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through parameter manipulation in HTTP requests directed at specific PHP files within the affected directories. Attackers can manipulate the lib parameter in files such as alias.php, cancel.php, context.php, deadlinks.php, and delete.php by supplying a URL that points to malicious PHP code hosted on a remote server. Similarly, the GLOBALS[pie][library_path] parameter in files like diff.php, file.php, locale.php, mapfile.php, and page.php can be exploited by crafting malicious URLs that get processed through the application's include or require functions. These parameters are directly incorporated into file inclusion statements without proper validation or sanitization, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary URLs that get executed as PHP code on the server. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to include complete system compromise, as attackers can leverage this primitive to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malware.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-5332 is severe and far-reaching, particularly considering the widespread adoption of Pie 0.5.3 during its deployment period. Organizations running vulnerable instances face immediate threats including unauthorized access to sensitive data, complete system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it without physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications handling confidential information. The attack surface is extensive as multiple files across different directories are affected, providing attackers with multiple potential entry points and increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard web browser interactions, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise. The long-term implications include potential data breaches, compliance violations, and reputational damage for organizations that failed to patch this vulnerability in a timely manner. Organizations should also consider the broader context of this vulnerability within the ATT&CK framework, particularly the techniques related to privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms that attackers often employ after initial exploitation. The vulnerability's presence in both action and share libraries indicates a systemic flaw in the application's architecture, suggesting that similar patterns of insecure file inclusion may exist in other parts of the codebase. This makes the vulnerability not just a single point of failure but a symptom of broader architectural security weaknesses that require comprehensive remediation strategies.