CVE-2008-2905: PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/Cache/Lite/Output.php in the Cache_Lite package in Mambo 4

This week

MEDIUM 6.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2008-2905 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.8) affecting mambo. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/Cache/Lite/Output.php in the Cache_Lite package in Mambo 4.6.4 and earlier, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter.

Why this priority

EPSS top 3%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.8 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	18.4% (top 3%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-94
Published	2008-06-30
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: mambo

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2008-06-30 18:24 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:54 UTCUpdated Record last modified

mambo mambo DOWNGRADE

Affected: 4.0.14 · 4.5 · 4.5.0.2 · 4.5.1.3 · 4.5.1_1.0.9 · 4.5.1_beta · 4.5.1_beta2 · 4.5.1a

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 4.0.14

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy mambo || rpm -q mambo || mambo --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 4.0.14 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison mambo sudo apt install mambo=<VERSION_BEFORE_4.0.14> sudo apt-mark hold mambo

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list mambo sudo dnf downgrade mambo-<VERSION_BEFORE_4.0.14> sudo dnf versionlock add mambo

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: Mambo - Cache_Lite Class MosConfig_absolute_path Remote File Inclusion (Metasploit)
Exploit-DB: Mambo 4.6.4 - 'Output.php' Remote File Inclusion
Exploit-DB: Mambo 4.6.4 - Cache Lite Output Remote File Inclusion (Metasploit)
Metasploit: Mambo Cache_Lite Class mosConfig_absolute_path Remote File Include

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2008-2905?

mambo: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2008-2905 being exploited?

CVE-2008-2905 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2008-2905 affect?

CVE-2008-2905 affects mambo. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.8). PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/Cache/Lite/Output.php in the Cache_Lite package in Mambo 4.6.4 and earlier, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the mosConf

How urgent is CVE-2008-2905?

Priority 53/100. EPSS top 3%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Software pages

PHP vulnerabilities

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References

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