CVE-2008-5938 in MODX
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in assets/snippets/reflect/snippet.reflect.php in MODx CMS 0.9.6.2 and earlier, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the reflect_base parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2024
The CVE-2008-5938 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw discovered in MODx Content Management System version 0.9.6.2 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically affects the snippet.reflect.php file located within the assets/snippets/reflect directory of the CMS. The flaw manifests when the PHP configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, creating a dangerous condition where user-supplied input can be directly interpreted as executable code. This vulnerability is particularly severe because it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system, effectively granting them full control over the server.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the reflect_base parameter of the snippet.reflect.php file. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, PHP does not automatically escape special characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data, leaving the application vulnerable to injection attacks. Attackers can craft malicious URLs containing PHP code within the reflect_base parameter, which gets directly included and executed by the vulnerable MODx installation. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-98 category of "Improper Input Validation" and specifically relates to CWE-88 "Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command" and CWE-20 "Improper Input Validation" within the CWE taxonomy. The vulnerability represents a classic example of a remote code execution flaw that can be leveraged for complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is devastating for any organization using affected MODx versions. Remote attackers can execute arbitrary commands on the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or server takeover. The vulnerability allows attackers to upload malicious files, establish backdoors, or perform lateral movement within the network. This flaw directly maps to the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1190 "Exploit Public-Facing Application" tactics. Organizations running vulnerable MODx installations face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal reconnaissance and can be exploited through simple URL manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5938 focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The primary solution involves upgrading to MODx version 0.9.6.3 or later, where this vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring that magic_quotes_gpc is enabled or that proper escaping mechanisms are in place. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls, input validation at the application level, and restricting file inclusion capabilities can provide layered defense. Security configurations should disable file inclusion from external sources and enforce strict parameter validation. Regular security assessments, vulnerability scanning, and application security testing should be implemented to prevent similar issues. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of keeping CMS platforms updated and maintaining proper security configurations, as the patch for this issue was released promptly after discovery, making it a clear example of how timely patch management prevents exploitation of known vulnerabilities.