CVE-2008-6138 in Modules Controller
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in adminhead.php in WebBiscuits Modules Controller 1.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the path[docroot] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-6138 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the WebBiscuits Modules Controller version 1.1 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the adminhead.php component of the web application framework, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input passed through the path[docroot] parameter, allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs that are subsequently included and executed by the PHP interpreter.
This flaw constitutes a classic remote code execution vulnerability that aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression. The vulnerability operates under the principle that the application accepts user input without adequate sanitization and directly incorporates it into file inclusion operations. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL through the path[docroot] parameter, the web application processes this input as part of a file inclusion directive, effectively allowing the attacker to load and execute remote PHP code on the target server. This vulnerability directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1190, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to execute arbitrary code remotely.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Once exploited, attackers can establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects any system running WebBiscuits Modules Controller version 1.1 or earlier, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread adoption of such web application frameworks. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system, significantly increasing the attack surface and potential damage.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to WebBiscuits Modules Controller version 1.2 or later, which contains patches specifically designed to address this remote file inclusion vulnerability. Organizations should also implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious URLs from being processed by the application. Additional protective measures include disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations, implementing proper parameter validation, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious requests targeting the vulnerable parameter. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security principles, particularly focusing on preventing injection flaws that can lead to remote code execution attacks.