CVE-2008-6545 in Web Server Creator Web Portal
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in news/include/createdb.php in Web Server Creator Web Portal 0.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the langfile parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6545 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Web Server Creator Web Portal version 0.1, specifically affecting the news/include/createdb.php component. This issue stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to adequately restrict user-supplied data from being directly incorporated into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability manifests when the langfile parameter receives a URL value that points to external resources, enabling malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The flaw operates at the application level and demonstrates a classic path traversal and code execution vulnerability that has been consistently documented across various security frameworks and threat models.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the langfile parameter within the createdb.php script, which lacks proper validation of input sources. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the langfile value, the application processes this input without sufficient sanitization, leading to the inclusion of remote files that contain malicious PHP code. This creates a direct pathway for remote code execution, allowing attackers to potentially gain complete control over the affected web server. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and specifically relates to CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code due to improper input handling in dynamic code execution contexts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique involving code injection and remote command execution through web application vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data breach potential. Attackers can leverage this flaw to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive information, modify web content, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the web server's integrity and availability, potentially disrupting legitimate business operations and exposing sensitive data to unauthorized access. Organizations running Web Server Creator Web Portal 0.1 are particularly vulnerable as this represents a known weakness that has existed for years without proper patching or mitigation. The attack surface is significant since the vulnerability can be exploited through standard web browser interactions without requiring special privileges or advanced technical skills, making it an attractive target for both automated attacks and targeted campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6545 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected application to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations must implement strict input validation and sanitization mechanisms that reject any input containing URLs or external references in parameters that control file inclusion operations. The implementation of a whitelist approach for acceptable language file parameters would prevent the inclusion of arbitrary external resources. Security measures should include disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations, implementing proper access controls, and conducting regular security assessments of web applications. Additionally, network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to identify suspicious patterns of file inclusion requests that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and following secure coding practices that prevent the dangerous inclusion of user-supplied data into critical application functions, aligning with industry best practices outlined in standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for web application security.