CVE-2008-6318 in PHPmyGallery
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in _conf/_php-core/common-tpl-vars.php in PHPmyGallery 1.5 beta allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the admindir parameter, a different vector than CVE-2008-6317.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-6318 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in PHPmyGallery version 1.5 beta that specifically targets the _conf/_php-core/common-tpl-vars.php file. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object reference and remote code execution issues, with the flaw manifesting when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input parameters. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to inject malicious URLs into the admindir parameter, which then gets processed by the application without adequate security controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the admindir parameter within the PHPmyGallery application's configuration handling mechanism. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the value for admindir, the application attempts to include and execute the remote PHP file, thereby enabling arbitrary code execution on the target server. This type of vulnerability is classified as a remote file inclusion (RFI) attack pattern that directly relates to CWE-88 and CWE-94, which address issues with improper input validation and code injection. The vulnerability demonstrates a lack of proper input sanitization and validation, allowing attackers to bypass normal application security controls and execute unauthorized code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server. Once exploited, an attacker can upload additional malicious files, modify existing application components, access sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised server as a launchpad for further attacks within the network. This vulnerability directly maps to several MITRE ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for exploitation of remote services, T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1078 for valid accounts. The attack surface is particularly wide because the vulnerability affects the core configuration processing functionality of the application, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap and broader architectural weaknesses that enabled the flaw. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters undergo comprehensive filtering before being processed by the application. The recommended approach includes implementing a whitelist-based validation system that only accepts known good values for the admindir parameter, while also employing proper output encoding and escaping techniques. Additionally, the application should be configured to disable remote file inclusion features entirely, as this capability should not be required for legitimate application functionality. Security hardening measures should also include regular security audits, input parameter validation testing, and ensuring that the application is updated to versions that have addressed this specific vulnerability. The remediation process should also involve implementing proper access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized attempts to exploit such vulnerabilities, as well as establishing incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts.