CVE-2008-7073 in Pie Web
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in lib/action/rss.php in RSS module 0.1 for Pie Web M{a,e}sher, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the lib parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2024
The CVE-2008-7073 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the RSS module version 0.1 for Pie Web M{a,e}sher content management system. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and insecure parameter handling within the rss.php file located in the lib/action directory. The flaw specifically manifests when the PHP configuration setting register_globals is enabled, creating a dangerous execution environment where attacker-controlled data can be directly injected into the application's runtime context.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the lib parameter within the RSS module's functionality. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from HTTP request parameters, including GET and POST data. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that include arbitrary PHP code within the lib parameter, which then gets included and executed by the vulnerable application. This creates a classic remote code execution scenario where malicious actors can execute arbitrary commands on the target server with the privileges of the web application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains the ability to upload malicious files, execute system commands, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the Pie Web M{a,e}sher platform, making it particularly dangerous for websites relying on this CMS for content management and syndication services. Organizations using this vulnerable module face risks of data breaches, service disruption, and unauthorized access to their web infrastructure.
Security practitioners should recognize this vulnerability as a variant of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command or query. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a remote code execution technique, specifically falling under the T1059.007 sub-technique for scripting languages. Mitigation strategies include disabling the register_globals directive in PHP configuration, implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, and applying the latest security patches provided by the software vendor. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious parameter values in URL requests to detect potential exploitation attempts.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper configuration management. When register_globals remains enabled, it creates a fundamental security flaw that can be exploited across multiple modules and components within a web application. This particular flaw underscores the necessity of maintaining up-to-date software versions, implementing robust input validation mechanisms, and following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege and defense in depth strategies. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for deprecated PHP configurations that can create similar attack vectors in other applications.