CVE-2009-0495 in REALTOR 747
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in include/define.php in REALTOR 747 4.11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the INC_DIR parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2024
The CVE-2009-0495 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw discovered in the REALTOR 747 4.11 web application, specifically within the include/define.php file. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that process user-supplied input without proper validation. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code by manipulating the INC_DIR parameter, which is then included and executed on the target server. Such vulnerabilities are classified under CWE-88, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and represent a fundamental weakness in input validation and code execution control mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the INC_DIR parameter before using it in an include statement. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it as the INC_DIR parameter, the vulnerable application will attempt to include and execute the remote file, effectively allowing the attacker to run arbitrary PHP code on the server. This type of vulnerability is categorized as a remote code execution (RCE) attack vector, which directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, and T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP. The attack chain typically involves the attacker first identifying the vulnerable parameter, then crafting a malicious payload that can be executed on the target system, potentially leading to complete server compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-0495 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, and persistent backdoor access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload additional malicious files, establish command and control channels, and escalate privileges within the compromised environment. The vulnerability affects the entire application stack, as the included files are executed with the privileges of the web server process, potentially allowing attackers to access sensitive data, modify application behavior, or even gain access to underlying system resources. Organizations running affected versions of REALTOR 747 4.11 face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential regulatory compliance violations. This vulnerability also demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation, as it represents a classic example of how insufficient sanitization of user input can lead to catastrophic security consequences.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-provided patch or upgrading to a non-vulnerable version of the REALTOR 747 application. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization techniques can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other parts of the application. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests containing suspicious URL patterns. The implementation of principle of least privilege for web server processes, along with regular security audits and code reviews, can help prevent similar issues in future development cycles. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file inclusion patterns and unauthorized remote file access attempts, as these behaviors often indicate exploitation attempts. According to industry best practices and standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top 10 and NIST guidelines, this vulnerability requires immediate attention and remediation to prevent potential exploitation and maintain overall system security posture.