CVE-2008-6132 in phpScheduleIt
Summary
by MITRE
Eval injection vulnerability in reserve.php in phpScheduleIt 1.2.10 and earlier, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the start_date parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2024
The CVE-2008-6132 vulnerability represents a critical server-side request forgery and code execution flaw in the phpScheduleIt calendar scheduling application. This vulnerability specifically affects versions 1.2.10 and earlier, creating a dangerous condition where remote attackers can inject malicious PHP code through the start_date parameter in the reserve.php script. The flaw occurs under specific server configurations where magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, which removes the automatic escaping of special characters that would normally prevent injection attacks. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-94, which describes improper execution of dynamic code, and falls under the broader category of code injection vulnerabilities that have been consistently identified as high-risk threats in cybersecurity assessments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the absence of proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the phpScheduleIt application. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, the application fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied input from the start_date parameter, allowing attackers to inject PHP code that gets executed within the application's context. The attack vector specifically targets the reserve.php endpoint, which processes reservation requests and likely uses the start_date parameter to construct database queries or execute server-side operations. This creates a scenario where an attacker can inject malicious payloads that bypass normal application security controls and execute arbitrary commands on the server with the privileges of the web application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server environment. Successful exploitation allows remote code execution, enabling attackers to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify application functionality, or use the compromised server for further attacks against other systems. The vulnerability affects not just the calendar scheduling functionality but potentially the entire server infrastructure, as the executed code runs with the privileges of the web server process. This represents a critical compromise that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries leverage legitimate system tools to execute malicious code. The impact extends beyond immediate data compromise to include potential lateral movement within networks and persistent access through backdoor installations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6132 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The primary fix involves upgrading to phpScheduleIt version 1.2.11 or later, which contains the necessary input validation patches to prevent code injection attacks. Organizations should also implement proper input sanitization mechanisms, including the use of prepared statements for database queries and comprehensive parameter validation for all user inputs. Security configurations should ensure that magic_quotes_gpc is properly enabled or that alternative input validation methods are implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls, conducting regular security audits, and establishing proper input validation routines that align with OWASP Top Ten security practices. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts, while regular security monitoring and log analysis can detect suspicious activities related to code execution attempts.