CVE-2008-5764 in WorkSimple
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in calendar.php in WorkSimple 1.2.1, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the lang parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5764 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the WorkSimple 1.2.1 web application, specifically within the calendar.php script. This vulnerability exploits the insecure handling of user-supplied input when the PHP configuration parameter register_globals is enabled, creating a pathway for remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The flaw manifests through the lang parameter, which is processed without proper input validation or sanitization, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the application's behavior by supplying a URL that points to external malicious code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the PHP register_globals directive, which automatically creates global variables from request parameters. When enabled, this configuration allows attackers to inject variables directly into the global scope, bypassing normal input validation mechanisms. The calendar.php script fails to properly validate or sanitize the lang parameter, enabling an attacker to provide a malicious URL that gets included and executed as PHP code. This represents a classic remote code execution vulnerability that can be categorized under CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code or commands.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using WorkSimple 1.2.1, as it allows remote attackers to gain complete control over the affected web server. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potential data breaches, system compromise, and lateral movement within the network. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive information, or use the compromised system as a launchpad for attacks against other internal systems. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the register_globals configuration is enabled.
Security practitioners should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves disabling the register_globals directive in PHP configuration, as this eliminates the fundamental condition that enables the attack. Additionally, input validation and sanitization should be enforced at all application entry points, particularly for parameters that are used in file inclusion operations. The principle of least privilege should be applied by ensuring that web applications run with minimal necessary permissions and that file inclusion operations use whitelisting approaches rather than accepting arbitrary user input. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with several tactics in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1190 for exploitation of remote services, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures that address both the immediate vulnerability and broader security posture.
The remediation process requires immediate attention to the PHP configuration settings, with administrators disabling register_globals in php.ini files across all affected systems. The calendar.php script should be updated to implement proper input validation using functions such as filter_var or regular expression matching to ensure that only expected values are accepted. Additionally, developers should adopt secure coding practices that avoid dynamic file inclusion with user-supplied data, instead implementing static configuration files or database-driven approaches for language selection. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security issues within the application architecture. Organizations should also maintain up-to-date vulnerability management processes to quickly identify and remediate similar issues across their entire software portfolio.