CVE-2008-6543 in Quick Classifieds
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in ComScripts TEAM Quick Classifieds 1.0 via the DOCUMENT_ROOT parameter to (1) index.php3, (2) locate.php3, (3) search_results.php3, (4) classifieds/index.php3, and (5) classifieds/view.php3; (6) index.php3, (7) manager.php3, (8) pass.php3, (9) remember.php3 (10) sign-up.php3, (11) update.php3, (12) userSet.php3, and (13) verify.php3 in controlcenter/; (14) alterCats.php3, (15) alterFeatured.php3, (16) alterHomepage.php3, (17) alterNews.php3, (18) alterTheme.php3, (19) color_help.php3, (20) createdb.php3, (21) createFeatured.php3, (22) createHomepage.php3, (23) createL.php3, (24) createM.php3, (25) createNews.php3, (26) createP.php3, (27) createS.php3, (28) createT.php3, (29) index.php3, (30) mailadmin.php3, and (31) setUp.php3 in controlpannel/; (32) include/sendit.php3 and (33) include/sendit2.php3; and possibly (34) include/adminHead.inc, (35) include/usersHead.inc, and (36) style/default.scheme.inc.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/01/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-6543 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting ComScripts TEAM Quick Classifieds version 1.0, specifically targeting multiple php files within the application's codebase. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to adequately restrict user-supplied data from being directly incorporated into file inclusion directives. The affected parameters, particularly the DOCUMENT_ROOT variable, allow attackers to manipulate the application's file inclusion behavior by injecting malicious file paths or URLs, thereby bypassing normal access controls and potentially executing arbitrary code on the target server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more specifically CWE-94, which covers the execution of arbitrary code through the inclusion of untrusted data. The flaw manifests across numerous php scripts including core application files like index.php3, locate.php3, and search_results.php3, as well as administrative control panel scripts such as manager.php3, alterCats.php3, and various include files. These multiple attack vectors significantly expand the exploit surface, allowing threat actors to target different aspects of the application's functionality and potentially escalate privileges through administrative interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, encompassing potential complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and service disruption. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code, establish backdoors, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive user data and administrative functions. The presence of both frontend user-facing scripts and backend administrative control panel files means that exploitation could occur through various attack vectors, potentially allowing for privilege escalation from regular user accounts to administrative privileges. Additionally, the vulnerability's presence in include files suggests that attackers might be able to manipulate the application's core functionality and potentially bypass security mechanisms designed to protect against such attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass multiple layers of defense including immediate patching of the affected application version, implementation of proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms, and enforcement of secure coding practices. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation for all user-supplied inputs, particularly those used in file inclusion operations, and apply the principle of least privilege to limit the application's ability to include external files. The ATT&CK framework's T1190 technique for exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage should be considered when developing incident response procedures. Network segmentation, web application firewalls, and regular security assessments are essential components of a comprehensive defense strategy. Furthermore, developers should adopt secure coding standards such as those recommended by the Open Web Application Security Project and ensure that all file inclusion operations use whitelisting mechanisms rather than dynamic path construction based on user input.