CVE-2008-7268 in SiteEngine
Summary
by MITRE
The phpinfo function in SiteEngine 5.x allows remote attackers to obtain system information by setting the action parameter to php_info in misc.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-7268 resides within the SiteEngine 5.x content management system where the phpinfo function is improperly exposed to remote attackers. This flaw exists in the misc.php file where an action parameter can be manipulated to trigger the phpinfo functionality, which is typically used for debugging and system information display purposes. The vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure weakness that can be exploited without authentication, allowing attackers to gain detailed insights into the target system's configuration and environment.
This security flaw operates through a classic parameter manipulation attack vector where the action parameter in the misc.php script is set to php_info, thereby invoking the phpinfo function directly. The phpinfo function in php is designed to display extensive information about the php configuration, including loaded extensions, system environment variables, compiled in modules, and server configuration details. When this function is exposed publicly without proper access controls, it creates an information disclosure vulnerability that aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure through improper access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with comprehensive system information that can be used for further exploitation attempts. The disclosed information may include php version details, server software versions, loaded php extensions, configuration directives, environment variables, and potentially sensitive system paths or database connection parameters. This information serves as a valuable reconnaissance tool for attackers planning more sophisticated attacks, as it reveals system internals that could be leveraged to identify additional vulnerabilities or tailor attack payloads. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1082, which covers system information discovery, and T1592, which involves reconnaissance using system information discovery techniques.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper access controls and input validation mechanisms within the SiteEngine application. The most effective immediate fix involves modifying the misc.php file to validate and restrict access to the phpinfo functionality, ensuring that only authorized administrators can trigger this function. Additionally, the application should implement proper authentication checks before executing any system information functions. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious parameter manipulation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of the principle of least privilege and proper input validation, as outlined in security best practices and standards such as those defined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar exposure points in other applications, particularly in legacy systems that may not have been designed with modern security practices in mind.