CVE-2008-5763 in Simple Text-File Login Script
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in slogin_lib.inc.php in Simple Text-File Login Script (SiTeFiLo) 1.0.6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the slogin_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5763 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Simple Text-File Login Script (SiTeFiLo) version 1.0.6. This issue resides in the slogin_lib.inc.php file where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input passed through the slogin_path parameter. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that are then processed by the PHP interpreter, creating a pathway for remote code execution. The vulnerability stems from the application's lack of proper input validation mechanisms that should prevent external URLs from being accepted in parameters that are subsequently included or required by the script. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to execute malicious PHP code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. The flaw operates by accepting user-supplied input through the slogin_path parameter without adequate sanitization, allowing attackers to inject URLs that point to malicious PHP scripts hosted on remote servers. When the vulnerable application processes this input and attempts to include the specified file, the PHP interpreter executes the remote code as if it were part of the local application. This behavior demonstrates a classic lack of proper input validation and output encoding practices that are fundamental to secure coding standards. The vulnerability is classified under the broader category of insecure direct object references and improper validation of input parameters, making it susceptible to exploitation through various attack vectors including web shell deployment and privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the compromised system. Once exploited, attackers can establish backdoors, escalate privileges, and potentially use the compromised server as a launchpad for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system, as it allows unauthorized users to gain control over the application and its underlying resources. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for execution through PHP scripts. The attack chain typically involves sending a malicious request containing a URL in the slogin_path parameter, which then gets processed by the vulnerable application and executed on the server, providing the attacker with a foothold in the target environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5763 require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures to prevent unauthorized file inclusion operations. Organizations should disable the allow_url_include directive in PHP configuration to prevent remote file inclusion attacks, while also implementing proper input validation that rejects any URLs or external references in parameters that are subsequently included by the application. The recommended approach includes applying the official patch released by the SiTeFiLo developers, which typically involves modifying the vulnerable slogin_lib.inc.php file to sanitize input parameters before processing them. Network-level defenses should include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security issues within the application architecture. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in preventing remote code execution attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.