CVE-2008-5878 in Phpclanwebsite
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Phpclanwebsite (aka PCW) 1.23.3 Fix Pack 5 and earlier, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled and register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the (1) boxname parameter to theme/superchrome/box.php and the (2) theme parameter to phpclanwebsite/footer.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5878 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in Phpclanwebsite version 1.23.3 Fix Pack 5 and earlier versions. This security weakness specifically targets the configuration settings of web applications where magic_quotes_gpc is disabled and register_globals is enabled, creating an environment particularly susceptible to malicious exploitation. The vulnerability manifests through two distinct attack vectors that leverage the manipulation of file inclusion parameters within the application's theme handling mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the Phpclanwebsite application's file inclusion processes. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, the application fails to properly escape special characters in user-supplied input, while the enabled register_globals setting allows attacker-controlled variables to be automatically registered as global variables within the application's execution context. This dangerous combination permits attackers to manipulate the boxname parameter in theme/superchrome/box.php and the theme parameter in phpclanwebsite/footer.php to traverse directory structures and include arbitrary files from the server. The .. (dot dot) sequence exploitation technique allows attackers to navigate upward through the directory hierarchy, potentially accessing sensitive files or executing malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Successful exploitation can lead to remote code execution, allowing attackers to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or compromise the entire web infrastructure. The vulnerability affects not only the targeted application but also poses risks to the underlying server environment, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges and move laterally within the network. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in shared hosting environments where multiple applications reside on the same server, as exploitation could potentially affect other hosted applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5878 require immediate attention through multiple defensive layers. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to a patched version of Phpclanwebsite that properly validates and sanitizes all user input before processing. Additionally, administrators should disable register_globals and enable magic_quotes_gpc in their php.ini configurations, though this approach should be combined with proper input validation as magic_quotes_gpc has been deprecated in modern php versions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and CWE-94 Code Injection categories, representing a classic example of insecure input handling that violates the principle of least privilege. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1505 Server-side Injection techniques, demonstrating how directory traversal can serve as a foundational attack vector for broader compromise operations. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls and input validation rules to detect and block malicious traversal sequences, while maintaining comprehensive monitoring and logging of file access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts.