CVE-2008-6421 in Social Site Generator
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in social_game_play.php in Social Site Generator (SSG) 2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6421 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Social Site Generator version 2.0 software. This issue resides within the social_game_play.php script which fails to properly validate or sanitize user input parameters. The vulnerability specifically affects the path parameter that is processed without adequate security controls, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The flaw stems from the application's improper handling of file inclusion mechanisms, allowing attackers to manipulate the execution flow by supplying malicious URLs through the vulnerable parameter.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and CWE-94, which covers execution of arbitrary code due to improper input validation. The attack vector leverages the principle of insecure direct object references where user-supplied data is directly used in file operations without proper sanitization. The flaw enables attackers to perform remote code execution by crafting malicious URLs that get processed by the vulnerable script, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability exists because the application does not implement proper input validation or sanitization techniques before using user-provided data in file inclusion operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify website content, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the affected system, as it provides persistent access to the target environment. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1190 for exploitation of remote services, enabling lateral movement and persistent access within compromised environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6421 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures. The primary fix involves modifying the social_game_play.php script to validate and sanitize all user-provided input parameters before processing them in file inclusion operations. Organizations should implement a whitelist approach for file inclusion, restricting access to predefined, trusted files only. Additionally, disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configuration through the allow_url_include directive provides an additional layer of defense. The implementation of proper parameter validation, input sanitization, and secure coding practices should be enforced across all application components. Security patches should be applied immediately, and the application should be updated to a version that addresses this vulnerability. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack.