CVE-2008-6483 in Com Googlebase
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in admin.googlebase.php in the Ecom Solutions VirtueMart Google Base (aka com_googlebase or Froogle) component 1.1 for Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The CVE-2008-6483 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw discovered in the Ecom Solutions VirtueMart Google Base component for Joomla! version 1.1. This vulnerability specifically affects the admin.googlebase.php file and resides within the com_googlebase or Froogle component ecosystem. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input passed through the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The vulnerability operates at the application level and demonstrates a classic path traversal and code execution pattern that has been historically prevalent in web application security.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter which is used within the admin.googlebase.php script. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL and injects it into this parameter, the application processes the input without adequate sanitization, allowing the inclusion of remote files from attacker-controlled servers. This creates a scenario where PHP code from external sources can be executed within the context of the vulnerable Joomla! application, effectively granting the attacker remote code execution capabilities. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code or commands, both of which are fundamental weaknesses in input validation and code execution contexts.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6483 is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to completely compromise the affected Joomla installations are publicly accessible and where the affected VirtueMart component is actively used. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability corresponds to T1059.007 for execution through PHP and T1190 for exploitation of remote services, making it a significant threat vector in the attack lifecycle. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire web application ecosystem, potentially exposing all data stored within the Joomla! database and compromising the trust relationships established between the application and its users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6483 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected component to the latest secure version provided by Ecom Solutions or the Joomla environment can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Security hardening practices including disabling unnecessary PHP functions, restricting file inclusion capabilities, and maintaining updated security configurations are essential defensive measures. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses within the broader application ecosystem, while the principle of least privilege should be enforced to minimize the impact of any potential compromise.