CVE-2009-0464 in GBook
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/header.php in Groone GBook 2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the abspath parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0464 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Groone GBook 2.0 web application, specifically affecting the includes/header.php file. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate user-supplied input passed through the abspath parameter, allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs that are subsequently included and executed as PHP code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the abspath parameter within the includes/header.php script, which is designed to include various application components. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the abspath value, the vulnerable application treats this input as a legitimate file path and attempts to include the remote resource. This process bypasses normal access controls and security mechanisms, enabling the execution of arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to potentially gain full control over the web application and underlying server infrastructure.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates severe security implications for organizations running Groone GBook 2.0, as it provides attackers with a straightforward method to achieve remote code execution. The attack surface is extensive since the vulnerability can be exploited through simple HTTP requests without requiring authentication or additional privileges. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability also poses risks to data integrity and confidentiality, as attackers can modify application behavior, access sensitive information, or establish persistent backdoors.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, starting with immediate patching of the affected application to version 2.1 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed. Input validation and sanitization measures must be strengthened to ensure all user-supplied parameters undergo rigorous validation before processing. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by configuring web server permissions to minimize the impact of potential exploitation. Additionally, network segmentation and intrusion detection systems should monitor for suspicious inclusion patterns and anomalous network traffic. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-98 and CWE-20 categories, representing improper input validation and remote file inclusion issues. The attack pattern corresponds to techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for execution through scripting languages, highlighting the need for comprehensive security controls that address both application-level and network-level defenses.