CVE-2008-6377 in Multi SEO phpBB
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in include/global.php in Multi SEO phpBB 1.1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the pfad parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6377 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Multi SEO phpBB 1.1.0 extension, specifically targeting the include/global.php file. This issue falls under the category of insecure direct object references and represents a classic example of a remote code execution vulnerability that has been documented in the CWE database under CWE-94, which encompasses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')." The flaw arises from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the pfad parameter within the HTTP request to include/global.php. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the value for this parameter, the vulnerable application processes this input without adequate sanitization, allowing the remote attacker to specify any remote file containing PHP code that will be executed on the server. This particular implementation demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the dangers of directly incorporating user-supplied data into file inclusion directives without proper security controls. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to execute code with the privileges of the web server, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6377 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent access to affected systems. Once exploited, attackers can upload backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify website content, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks against other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects web applications running the Multi SEO phpBB 1.1.0 extension, which typically operates within the broader phpBB forum ecosystem. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, "Exploit Public-Facing Application," and represents a common attack vector that has been frequently targeted in web application penetration testing and exploit development activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary solution involves updating to a patched version of the Multi SEO phpBB extension that properly validates and sanitizes input parameters before processing them in file inclusion operations. Organizations should implement input validation controls that reject any non-expected input patterns, particularly those containing protocol identifiers such as http:// or https:// that could indicate remote file inclusion attempts. Additional security measures include disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configuration, implementing proper parameter validation using allowlists, and applying web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious requests containing potentially malicious input patterns. Security practitioners should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for web server accounts and regularly audit application code for similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other input handling functions. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and proper security coding practices in preventing remote code execution attacks.