CVE-2008-5694 in Sandbox
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in lib/jpgraph/jpgraph_errhandler.inc.php in Sandbox 1.4.1 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via unspecified vectors. NOTE: the issue, if any, may be located in Aditus JpGraph rather than Sandbox. If so, then this should not be treated as an issue in Sandbox.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5694 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the PHP application sandbox environment. This security weakness exists in the file jpgraph_errhandler.inc.php located within the lib/jpgraph directory of Sandbox version 1.4.1. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file inclusion operations, creating an exploitable condition that could enable malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The issue manifests when the application processes user-supplied input without sufficient validation, allowing attackers to inject malicious file paths that are subsequently included and executed by the PHP interpreter.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with common web application security flaws categorized under CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and CWE-94, which encompasses the execution of arbitrary code. The flaw operates through a remote file inclusion attack vector where an attacker can manipulate the application's file inclusion mechanisms to load and execute malicious PHP code from remote locations. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when applications dynamically include files based on user input without proper validation, allowing attackers to specify paths that lead to the inclusion of attacker-controlled content. The attack leverages the PHP include or require functions that accept dynamic parameters, creating opportunities for code injection when these parameters are not properly sanitized.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to systems running affected versions of Sandbox, as it provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary commands on the target system. The successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, service disruption, or the establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access or local privileges to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments. Organizations using affected versions face potential unauthorized access to sensitive data, system integrity compromise, and possible regulatory compliance violations. The impact extends beyond immediate system compromise to include potential lateral movement within networks and escalation of privileges to administrative levels.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass multiple layers of defense to address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvement. The primary recommendation involves applying the vendor-supplied patch or upgrading to a version that addresses the specific file inclusion flaw in the jpgraph component. System administrators should implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious file paths from being processed by the application. Network-level protections including firewalls, web application firewalls, and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing least privilege principles for web application processes, disabling unnecessary PHP functions, and conducting regular security assessments can significantly reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing proper logging and monitoring to detect anomalous file inclusion patterns and unauthorized code execution attempts. The remediation process must include thorough testing to ensure that patches do not introduce compatibility issues while maintaining the application's core functionality. Regular security updates and vulnerability assessments should be part of ongoing security management practices to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.