CVE-2009-0610 in Simple PHP News
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple static code injection vulnerabilities in post.php in Simple PHP News 1.0 final allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary PHP code into news.txt via the (1) title or (2) date parameter, and then execute the code via a direct request to display.php. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0610 represents a critical static code injection flaw within the Simple PHP News 1.0 final content management system. This vulnerability exists in the post.php script where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized or validated before being written to the news.txt file. The flaw specifically affects two parameters - title and date - which are processed without adequate input filtering mechanisms. When attackers submit malicious PHP code through these parameters, the code gets stored in the news.txt file and subsequently executed when the display.php script processes and renders the content.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-94 category of "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in OS Command Execution" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 "Exploit Public-Facing Application" as it represents an attack vector through a web application interface. The security implications are severe because the vulnerability enables arbitrary code execution on the target server, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over the affected system. The attack chain begins with injection into the news.txt file through the post.php script and concludes with execution via direct requests to display.php, creating a persistent backdoor for malicious activities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to manipulate the entire news content management system. Attackers can inject malicious scripts that could steal sensitive data, modify existing news articles, or even establish persistent access through backdoor scripts. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation does not require local system access, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. The fact that the vulnerability affects core parameters like title and date makes it especially effective since these fields are typically used for legitimate content management and are frequently submitted by users.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms. The system must sanitize all user-supplied input before processing, particularly for parameters that are written to files and subsequently executed. Implementing proper parameter validation, using prepared statements, and employing web application firewalls can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing regular security audits and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in their web applications. The remediation process requires immediate patching of the affected Simple PHP News application or complete replacement with a more secure content management system that follows proper input sanitization protocols. Additionally, implementing least privilege principles and regular security updates can help prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and the potential consequences of failing to properly sanitize user data. It highlights how seemingly benign functionality can become a gateway for complete system compromise when proper security measures are not implemented. Organizations must understand that vulnerabilities like CVE-2009-0610 represent not just individual security flaws, but potential entry points for broader attacks that can compromise entire web infrastructures. The attack vector described in the vulnerability report shows how remote code execution capabilities can be achieved through simple parameter manipulation, emphasizing the need for robust security controls throughout the entire application development lifecycle.