CVE-2008-7152 in SID
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Specimen Image Database (SID), when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the dir parameter to (1) client.php or (2) taxonservice.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2025
The CVE-2008-7152 vulnerability affects the Specimen Image Database (SID) application, a web-based system designed for managing biological specimen images and associated data. This vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw that exploits the dangerous combination of PHP's register_globals directive being enabled and improper input validation in key application files. The vulnerability specifically targets two primary entry points within the application's codebase, namely client.php and taxonservice.php, which process user-supplied directory parameters without adequate sanitization or validation.
The technical flaw stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize the dir parameter in the affected PHP scripts. When register_globals is enabled in the PHP configuration, it creates a dangerous environment where variables from external sources automatically become accessible as global variables within the script's scope. Attackers can manipulate the dir parameter to include malicious URLs that point to remote PHP scripts hosted on attacker-controlled servers. This allows the application to include and execute arbitrary PHP code from external sources, effectively bypassing all security controls within the web application. The vulnerability is classified as a remote file inclusion (RFI) attack vector, which directly maps to CWE-88 and CWE-99 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, specifically addressing improper input validation and unsafe dynamic code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Once exploited, adversaries can execute arbitrary commands on the server, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects organizations using the Specimen Image Database application in environments where register_globals remains enabled, which was common in older PHP configurations. This creates a significant risk for research institutions, museums, and biological data repositories that may be running legacy systems. The attack requires minimal privileges and can be executed through simple HTTP requests, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by automated scanning tools and script kiddies alike.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve multiple layers of defensive measures. The primary and most effective approach is to disable the register_globals directive in the PHP configuration, which eliminates the core condition that enables this attack vector. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in include or require statements. The application code should be updated to use absolute paths or predefined whitelists for directory parameters rather than accepting arbitrary URLs. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and network segmentation can limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Security best practices such as the principle of least privilege and regular security audits should be enforced. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications and T1059 for executing commands through remote code execution, highlighting the need for comprehensive application security controls and regular vulnerability assessments.