CVE-2009-0251 in phoSheezy
Summary
by MITRE
Static code injection vulnerability in admin.php in Ryneezy phoSheezy 0.2 allows remote authenticated administrators to inject arbitrary PHP code into config/footer via the footer parameter. NOTE: this can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers by leveraging CVE-2009-0250. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0251 represents a critical static code injection flaw within the Ryneezy phoSheezy 0.2 content management system. This vulnerability specifically targets the administrative interface through the admin.php script, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary PHP code within the application's context. The flaw manifests when the application processes the footer parameter without adequate input validation or sanitization, allowing attackers to inject malicious code directly into the configuration footer file. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of code injection attacks that can significantly compromise the integrity and security of web applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the footer parameter in the admin.php script, where the application fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into the system's configuration files. When an authenticated administrator submits a request containing malicious PHP code within the footer parameter, this code gets executed within the web server's context, potentially allowing full system compromise. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper control of generation of code, and represents a direct threat to application security. The injection occurs at the static code level, meaning that the malicious code becomes permanently embedded within the application's configuration, creating persistent execution capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code injection, as it provides attackers with the ability to escalate privileges and potentially gain complete control over the affected system. The fact that this vulnerability can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers through the leverage of CVE-2009-0250 demonstrates the cascading nature of security flaws and the importance of comprehensive vulnerability assessment. This chaining of vulnerabilities creates a particularly dangerous scenario where initial access can be gained through one vulnerability and then escalated to full system compromise through another. The implications for organizations using this vulnerable software include potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-0251 should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization measures to prevent the injection of malicious code into the application's configuration files. Organizations must implement proper parameter validation that rejects or sanitizes any input containing potentially dangerous PHP code sequences. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version that addresses the root cause of the vulnerability. The implementation of secure coding practices, including the use of prepared statements and proper output encoding, would prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. Security controls should also include monitoring for unauthorized modifications to configuration files and implementing least privilege access controls for administrative functions. The vulnerability's presence in a CMS system highlights the importance of regular security assessments and timely patch management to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to identify and prevent exploitation attempts.