CVE-2008-6635 in Dagger
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in skins/default.php in Geody Labs Dagger - The Cutting Edge r12feb2008, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the dir_inc parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6635 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Geody Labs Dagger content management system version r12feb2008. This vulnerability specifically affects the skins/default.php component and exploits a fundamental security weakness that arises when the PHP configuration parameter register_globals is enabled. The flaw operates through the dir_inc parameter which is susceptible to manipulation by remote attackers seeking to execute malicious code on the target system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper handling of user-supplied data within the application's include mechanism, creating an attack vector that directly compromises the system's integrity and security posture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic remote file inclusion pattern where attacker-controlled input flows directly into PHP's include or require functions without proper sanitization. When register_globals is enabled, the vulnerability becomes exploitable because PHP automatically creates global variables from GET, POST, and cookie data, effectively bypassing normal input validation controls. The dir_inc parameter in the skins/default.php file accepts user-supplied URLs that are then processed through PHP's include functionality, allowing attackers to specify external URLs containing malicious PHP code. This creates a scenario where legitimate system files can be replaced with attacker-controlled content, enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the web server process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive information, or deploy additional malware payloads within the compromised environment. The vulnerability affects organizations using the Geody Labs Dagger platform, particularly those with misconfigured PHP environments that have register_globals enabled, which was common in older PHP installations. The consequences include unauthorized access to system resources, potential privilege escalation, and the ability to manipulate or destroy application data. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6635 require immediate remediation of the underlying configuration and code implementation issues. The primary recommendation involves disabling the register_globals directive in the PHP configuration file, which eliminates the fundamental exploit mechanism. Additionally, all user-supplied input must be properly validated and sanitized before being used in include statements, implementing strict parameter validation and using whitelisting approaches for acceptable values. Organizations should also implement proper input filtering techniques, including the use of allowlists for file paths and ensuring that only trusted, local file references are processed. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in web application development. Security professionals should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the dangers associated with legacy PHP configurations and the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security practices in web application environments, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of proper input validation and the dangers of legacy PHP configurations. Modern security frameworks and defensive measures should incorporate automatic detection of insecure PHP configurations and provide automated remediation guidance. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other applications and ensure that all web applications follow secure coding standards. The vulnerability also emphasizes the need for continuous security monitoring and the importance of keeping software components updated to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. This case study demonstrates how seemingly simple configuration issues can lead to complete system compromise and underscores the necessity of robust security controls throughout the software development lifecycle.