CVE-2008-6251 in phpFan
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/init.php in phpFan 3.3.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the includepath parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6251 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the phpFan 3.3.4 content management system that directly enables remote code execution capabilities for attackers. This vulnerability exists within the includes/init.php file where user-controllable input is improperly handled during the inclusion process. The specific parameter affected is includepath which accepts URL values that are then processed through PHP's include or require functions without adequate sanitization or validation. This design flaw creates an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server by manipulating the includepath parameter with malicious URLs.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. The flaw occurs because the application fails to validate or sanitize the includepath parameter before using it in a dynamic include statement, allowing attackers to supply URLs that point to external malicious code repositories. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers the use of remote file inclusion to execute arbitrary code on compromised systems. The attack vector leverages the trust relationship between the web application and the include mechanism, where legitimate file inclusion is abused to fetch and execute attacker-controlled code from remote servers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server. Successful exploitation can result in data theft, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can use this vulnerability to upload backdoors, establish persistent access, and perform reconnaissance activities without detection. The vulnerability affects the core initialization process of phpFan 3.3.4, meaning that any functionality relying on the init.php file becomes potentially compromised. This makes the attack surface particularly dangerous as it can affect all aspects of the web application's operation and data handling processes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6251 should focus on immediate patching of the phpFan 3.3.4 application to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures that prevent URL parameters from being passed directly to include functions without proper validation. The recommended approach involves disabling the includepath parameter functionality or implementing strict whitelisting of allowed include paths. Additionally, the application should be configured to use secure include mechanisms that do not permit remote URL inclusion, and administrators should regularly audit and monitor file inclusion patterns in their applications. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security design.