CVE-2009-0441 in Technote
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in skin_shop/standard/2_view_body/body_default.php in Technote 7.2, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the shop_this_skin_path parameter, a different vector than CVE-2008-4138.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0441 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Technote 7.2 content management system that specifically exploits the dangerous combination of insecure parameter handling and the deprecated register_globals PHP configuration setting. This vulnerability exists in the skin_shop/standard/2_view_body/body_default.php file where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without proper sanitization or validation. The flaw operates through the shop_this_skin_path parameter which accepts external URLs and processes them as file paths, creating an avenue for attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the register_globals directive which automatically creates PHP variables from GET, POST, and cookie data, effectively bypassing normal input validation mechanisms. This configuration was widely discouraged in modern PHP security practices and represents a legacy vulnerability that persists in older systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious URL that gets passed through the shop_this_skin_path parameter, which then gets included in the body_default.php file using PHP's include or require functions. When register_globals is enabled, the parameter becomes automatically available as a PHP variable, allowing the attacker to inject a remote URL that points to malicious PHP code hosted on an external server. The remote code execution occurs because the application does not validate or sanitize the input before using it in the file inclusion context, creating a direct path for arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-88 category for improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command, and more specifically maps to CWE-94 for improper control of generation of code, which aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. The vulnerability is distinct from CVE-2008-4138 as it operates through a different code path involving the skin rendering system rather than the main application framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and encompasses complete system compromise, data theft, and potential lateral movement within network environments. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute any PHP code they choose, potentially leading to full system control, database access, and privilege escalation. The vulnerability affects organizations running Technote 7.2 with register_globals enabled, which represents a significant security risk since this configuration has been deprecated for over a decade and is considered inherently dangerous. The attack vector is particularly stealthy as it can be executed through standard web requests without requiring any special privileges or complex exploitation techniques. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues and potential legal consequences if such vulnerabilities are exploited to compromise sensitive data, especially in industries governed by standards like pci dss, hipaa, or gdpr. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the dangers of using deprecated PHP configurations that were designed for legacy compatibility but pose significant security risks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-0441 require immediate action to address the root cause through configuration changes and code modifications. The primary recommendation is to disable register_globals in the PHP configuration, which immediately eliminates the vulnerability by preventing automatic variable creation from user input. 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 explicit variable assignment and validation before any file operations are performed, eliminating the reliance on automatic variable creation. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and input filtering using functions like filter_var() or escapeshellcmd() can prevent malicious URLs from being processed. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security audits and the need to maintain up-to-date security practices, as this issue demonstrates how legacy configurations can create persistent security risks even in modern environments. Regular patching and migration away from deprecated systems remain essential defensive measures against similar vulnerabilities that may exist in older software versions.