CVE-2009-0463 in GLinks
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/header.php in Groone GLinks 2.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the abspath parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0463 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Groone GLinks 2.1 web application that exposes the system to arbitrary code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically affects the includes/header.php file where the abspath parameter is improperly validated, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The flaw demonstrates a classic insecure direct object reference vulnerability that allows attackers to manipulate input parameters and redirect the application's execution flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the Groone GLinks application's header component. When the abspath parameter is passed to includes/header.php, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before using it in a file inclusion operation. This creates a scenario where an attacker can supply a malicious URL as the abspath value, which gets processed by the application's include or require functions, thereby executing the remote code on the server. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper control of resource identifiers, and specifically manifests as a remote file inclusion vulnerability that allows attackers to execute code through manipulated file paths.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server. Successful exploitation enables threat actors to execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish backdoors, install malware, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability also poses significant risks to data confidentiality and integrity, as attackers can access sensitive information stored on the server or modify existing files. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web hosting environments where multiple applications share the same server resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-0463 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Organizations should disable the allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives in php.ini to prevent remote file inclusion attacks, as these settings are often enabled by default in many configurations. Additionally, implementing proper parameter validation and using whitelisting approaches for file paths can significantly reduce the attack surface. Security practitioners should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious requests containing malicious file inclusion patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in web application development, as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack.