CVE-2008-5989 in PHPcounter
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in defs.php in PHPcounter 1.3.2 and earlier, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the l parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5989 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in PHPcounter version 1.3.2 and earlier, specifically affecting systems where magic_quotes_gpc is disabled. This vulnerability resides within the defs.php script and exploits a fundamental weakness in input validation mechanisms. The issue manifests when an attacker manipulates the l parameter to include directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation, enabling unauthorized access to arbitrary local files on the server. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the l parameter in the PHPcounter application's request handling mechanism. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, the application fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. Attackers can construct malicious URLs that include sequences such as ../../../etc/passwd or similar directory traversal patterns, allowing them to navigate the file system beyond intended boundaries. The vulnerability leverages the lack of proper input validation and sanitization, combined with the absence of proper path restriction mechanisms, to achieve arbitrary file inclusion and execution capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables remote code execution capabilities when combined with appropriate file access permissions. An attacker with successful exploitation can access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected server. This represents a severe security risk that can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, and unauthorized access to network resources. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire system, as it allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and gain access to files that should remain protected.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5989 should focus on immediate patching of the affected PHPcounter application to version 1.3.3 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. System administrators should also implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring that all user-supplied input is properly filtered before being processed by the application. The implementation of proper path restriction mechanisms and the enabling of magic_quotes_gpc, while not a complete solution, can provide additional layers of protection. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious directory traversal patterns and prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands through file inclusion mechanisms. The security community should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security audits to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced into applications.