CVE-2008-5585 in lcxBBportal
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in lcxBBportal 0.1 Alpha 2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the phpbb_root_path parameter to (1) portal/includes/portal_block.php and (2) includes/acp/acp_lcxbbportal.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-5585 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting lcxBBportal version 0.1 Alpha 2, specifically targeting PHP applications that fail to properly validate user input. This issue manifests as multiple remote file inclusion vulnerabilities that directly enable attackers to inject and execute malicious PHP code on the target system. The vulnerability occurs within the portal_block.php and acp_lcxbbportal.php files, where the phpbb_root_path parameter is processed without adequate sanitization, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the application's behavior through crafted URLs. The flaw stems from improper input validation and secure coding practices that fail to prevent unauthorized file access, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary URLs that get included and executed as PHP code.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command, and CWE-94, which covers execution of code with elevated privileges. The attack vector leverages the principle of insecure direct object references, where user-controllable parameters are used to construct file paths without proper validation. The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload backdoors, establish persistent access, or perform further reconnaissance within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate application but also poses risks to the underlying server environment, as successful exploitation can result in data breaches, system takeover, and potential lateral movement within network boundaries.
The exploitation of CVE-2008-5585 aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access through web application attacks and execution via remote code execution. The vulnerability's presence in administrative components like acp_lcxbbportal.php indicates potential privilege escalation opportunities, as the administrative interface typically operates with elevated permissions. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameter sanitization, and the removal of insecure file inclusion practices. The recommended approach involves implementing proper input validation for all user-supplied parameters, utilizing allowlists for file paths, and employing secure coding practices that prevent dynamic code execution based on user input. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security assessments and the need for comprehensive application security testing to identify similar insecure practices that could lead to remote code execution scenarios.