CVE-2008-7183 in eva
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in eva/index.php in EVA CMS 2.3.1, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the eva[caminho] parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-7183 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the EVA CMS 2.3.1 content management system. This issue specifically targets the eva/index.php script where the application fails to properly validate user input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability becomes exploitable when the PHP configuration parameter register_globals is enabled, creating a dangerous condition where variables from the HTTP request can be directly injected into the global scope. The eva[caminho] parameter serves as the primary attack vector, allowing malicious actors to supply a URL that gets processed as a file path, effectively enabling remote code execution through the CMS interface.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of command injection and file inclusion attacks. The flaw operates at the application level where user-supplied input is directly concatenated into file inclusion functions without proper sanitization or validation. When register_globals is enabled, the PHP environment automatically creates global variables from GET, POST, and cookie data, making it trivial for attackers to manipulate the eva[caminho] parameter to point to malicious remote resources. This creates a pathway for arbitrary code execution, as the application treats the supplied URL as a legitimate file path and attempts to include it, potentially executing malicious PHP code hosted on remote servers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and encompasses multiple attack vectors that can compromise the entire web application infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload and execute malicious code, potentially gaining full control over the affected server or website. The vulnerability affects the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of the CMS system, as unauthorized parties can modify content, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. Additionally, the vulnerability can be exploited to perform lateral movement within network environments, especially when the CMS server has access to internal resources or databases. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access or prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with public-facing web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-7183 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary recommendation involves disabling the register_globals configuration option in PHP, which eliminates the core condition enabling this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The application code should be modified to use whitelisting approaches for file paths or implement strict validation of URLs before any inclusion operations occur. Security measures should include disabling remote file inclusion capabilities within the application, using absolute paths instead of relative or user-supplied paths, and implementing proper access controls and authentication mechanisms. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious requests containing malicious file inclusion patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping CMS systems updated, as newer versions of EVA CMS and other content management systems have addressed similar issues through improved input validation and secure coding practices. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding guidelines and adhering to the principle of least privilege in web application development, as outlined in various security frameworks including those referenced in the ATT&CK framework for defensive measures against such remote code execution vulnerabilities.