CVE-2009-0456 in Sourdough
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in examples/example_clientside_javascript.php in patForms, as used in Sourdough 0.3.5, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the neededFiles[patForms] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0456 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the patForms library implementation in Sourdough 0.3.5. This issue manifests in the example_clientside_javascript.php file where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input parameters. The vulnerability specifically targets the neededFiles[patForms] parameter which is processed without adequate security controls, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The flaw stems from the application's improper handling of dynamic includes where external URLs are accepted as legitimate input for file inclusion operations.
This vulnerability operates under the well-documented CWE-88 category for Argument Injection and the broader CWE-94 for Code Injection, which together describe the dangerous practice of allowing untrusted input to influence code execution paths. The attack vector leverages the typical remote file inclusion pattern where an attacker can manipulate the parameter to point to a malicious remote server hosting malicious PHP code. When the application processes this parameter, it effectively executes the attacker-controlled code within the context of the web server, potentially granting full system access or allowing for further exploitation of the underlying infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise when exploited successfully. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or perform data exfiltration from the compromised system. The vulnerability affects not only individual applications using Sourdough 0.3.5 but also creates potential cascading effects throughout networked environments where multiple systems might share similar vulnerable configurations. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the threat model of executing arbitrary code through web application vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-0456 should focus on immediate patching of the affected Sourdough version to 0.3.6 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization. Additionally, implementing proper parameter validation that rejects external URLs in file inclusion contexts would prevent exploitation. Security measures should include disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations, implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious parameter values, and conducting thorough input validation across all user-supplied parameters. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege for web application accounts and regular security audits of third-party libraries to identify similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and the dangers of accepting untrusted data in dynamic code execution contexts, aligning with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework guidelines.