CVE-2008-7193 in PHPKIT
Summary
by MITRE
PHPKIT 1.6.4 PL1 includes the session ID in the URL, which allows remote attackers to conduct cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attacks by reading the PHPKITSID parameter from the HTTP Referer and using it in a request to (1) modify the user profile via upload_files/include.php or (2) create a new administrator via upload_files/pk/include.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-7193 represents a critical security flaw in PHPKIT version 1.6.4 PL1 that fundamentally undermines the application's session management and access control mechanisms. This issue stems from the application's improper handling of session identifiers within URL parameters, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's authentication and authorization controls. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application embeds the session ID directly into the URL structure, making it accessible to external parties who can observe and manipulate these identifiers during web requests.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the PHPKITSID parameter being transmitted through the HTTP Referer header and subsequently parsed by the application's processing logic. When legitimate users navigate through the application's interface, their session identifiers become visible in the URL structure, particularly when accessing files such as upload_files/include.php or upload_files/pk/include.php. This design flaw creates a direct attack vector where remote adversaries can extract session tokens from URL parameters and leverage them to execute unauthorized actions within the target system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple session hijacking to encompass full administrative compromise through cross-site request forgery attacks. Attackers can exploit the exposed session identifiers to perform user profile modifications or create new administrator accounts without legitimate authentication credentials. This represents a severe escalation of privileges that allows malicious actors to gain complete control over the application's user management functions and potentially compromise the entire system infrastructure. The vulnerability affects both the user profile modification functionality and the administrative account creation processes, providing attackers with multiple pathways to achieve their objectives.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery, and demonstrates how improper session management can create conditions that enable CSRF attacks. The flaw also connects to ATT&CK technique T1548.001, which covers legitimate credentials and privileges, as attackers can leverage the exposed session identifiers to gain unauthorized access to administrative functions. The exposure of session identifiers in URLs violates fundamental security principles and creates persistent attack vectors that remain viable as long as the vulnerable application remains operational.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of secure session management practices that eliminate URL-based session identifier transmission. Organizations should implement proper session handling mechanisms that store session identifiers in HTTP-only cookies rather than URL parameters, ensuring that session tokens remain within the HTTP headers where they cannot be easily extracted by malicious actors. The application should also implement robust anti-CSRF token mechanisms that validate request authenticity through additional verification layers beyond simple session identifier checking. Additionally, access controls should be strengthened to ensure that administrative functions require explicit authentication and authorization checks that cannot be bypassed through session identifier manipulation. Regular security audits and input validation measures should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future application versions.