CVE-2008-5922 in CFAGCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in themes/default/index.php in Cant Find A Gaming CMS (CFAGCMS) 1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) main and (2) right parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5922 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Cant Find A Gaming CMS version 1, specifically affecting the themes/default/index.php file. This vulnerability exposes the system to unauthorized remote code execution through improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate user-supplied URL parameters, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code that gets executed within the server context. The vulnerability affects two distinct parameters named main and right, both of which are processed without adequate security controls, creating multiple attack vectors for exploitation.
This vulnerability directly maps 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 constitutes a classic path traversal and code injection vulnerability that enables attackers to leverage the application's file inclusion functionality to execute malicious code remotely. The underlying technical issue stems from the application's failure to implement proper input validation, sanitization, and secure coding practices when processing external URL references. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it allows attackers to include arbitrary PHP files from remote servers, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-5922 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and potential data breach scenarios. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload backdoors, establish persistent access, or execute commands that may lead to privilege escalation and lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreter execution. The implications for affected organizations include potential data loss, system availability disruption, and compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching and code review processes to address the root cause of the insecure file inclusion implementation. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion contexts. The recommended approach includes employing allowlists for valid file paths, implementing proper parameter validation, and utilizing secure coding practices that prevent external URL parameters from being processed without proper verification. Additionally, network segmentation, intrusion detection systems, and regular security assessments should be deployed to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and secure file handling practices in web application security, aligning with security standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.