CVE-2008-7000 in PHPAuction
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in PHPAuction 3.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the lan parameter. NOTE: this might be related to CVE-2005-2255.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-7000 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in PHPAuction 3.2's index.php script that enables attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code through manipulation of the lan parameter. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution threats that have plagued web applications for decades. The specific implementation flaw occurs when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute unauthorized code on the target server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the PHP application's use of dynamic file inclusion functions such as include, require, or their variants without proper input validation. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL in the lan parameter, the application processes this input directly without adequate sanitization, allowing the remote file to be included and executed on the server. This type of vulnerability is classified as CWE-98 and maps directly to ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation through remote file inclusion attacks. The flaw essentially transforms a legitimate configuration parameter into a vector for code execution, bypassing normal access controls and security boundaries that should protect the application's file system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server. Once exploited, malicious actors can upload additional malware, establish persistent backdoors, steal sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks against the internal network. The vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of the web application, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and regulatory compliance violations. Organizations running PHPAuction 3.2 are particularly vulnerable since this represents a known flaw that has been documented in the security community for years, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-7000 should focus on immediate patching of the affected PHPAuction version, as well as implementing input validation and sanitization measures within the application code. The recommended approach involves disabling remote file inclusion capabilities entirely by setting the allow_url_fopen directive to off in php.ini configuration files, and implementing strict input validation for all parameters that are used in file inclusion operations. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. The remediation process should also include regular security audits and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security issues within the application architecture. Given the age of this vulnerability and its potential for widespread exploitation, immediate action is required to prevent unauthorized access to affected systems.