CVE-2008-5789 in Interactive Feederator
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in the Recly Interactive Feederator (com_feederator) component 1.0.5 for Joomla! allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) mosConfig_absolute_path parameter to (a) add_tmsp.php, (b) edit_tmsp.php and (c) tmsp.php in includes/tmsp/; and the (2) GLOBALS[mosConfig_absolute_path] parameter to (d) includes/tmsp/subscription.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The CVE-2008-5789 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Recly Interactive Feederator component version 1.0.5 for Joomla! platforms. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the component's file handling mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary PHP code on affected systems. The flaw specifically targets the component's handling of absolute path parameters, allowing attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through crafted URL inputs that reference external malicious code repositories.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of insecure parameter handling in multiple PHP scripts within the includes/tmsp/ directory. Attackers can manipulate the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter in add_tmsp.php, edit_tmsp.php, and tmsp.php files, as well as the GLOBALS[mosConfig_absolute_path] parameter in subscription.php. These parameters are used to construct file paths for inclusion operations, but due to insufficient validation, they accept user-supplied input that can point to remote malicious files. This creates a classic remote file inclusion (RFI) attack vector where the vulnerable Joomla! application will include and execute code from attacker-controlled remote servers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for Joomla installation running version 1.0.5 of the Recly Interactive Feederator component, making it particularly dangerous as many older Joomla! installations may not have been properly updated or patched.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. The flaw also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers the exploitation of remote file inclusion vulnerabilities for code execution and system compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, as the affected parameters should never accept user input that could influence file inclusion operations without proper sanitization and validation.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary and most effective mitigation involves updating to the latest version of the Recly Interactive Feederator component, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific flaw. Additionally, implementing proper input validation at the application level can help prevent malicious parameters from being processed. Web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious URL patterns that attempt to manipulate absolute path parameters. Network-level restrictions can also limit outbound connections to prevent the application from accessing external malicious resources. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other components and extensions within the Joomla! ecosystem, as this vulnerability demonstrates the broader risk of insecure file inclusion practices in content management systems.