CVE-2009-0643 in Simple PHP News
Summary
by MITRE
Static code injection vulnerability in post.php in Simple PHP News 1.0 final allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary PHP code into news.txt via the post parameter, and then execute the code via a direct request to display.php. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0643 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 input is improperly handled, creating an avenue for remote attackers to inject malicious PHP code directly into the news.txt file. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter or escape user-supplied data before it is written to persistent storage. The vulnerability specifically targets the post parameter which serves as an entry point for attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through crafted input sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic code injection pattern where the attacker first exploits the insecure data handling in post.php to write malicious PHP code into the news.txt file. This occurs because the application does not validate or sanitize the post parameter before storing it in the file system. Once the malicious code is written to news.txt, it becomes persistent and remains stored until manually removed. The second phase of exploitation occurs when attackers make a direct request to display.php, which then processes and executes the injected code because the application does not properly isolate or escape the content when rendering it to end users. This dual-stage attack mechanism allows for remote code execution without requiring authentication or additional privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-0643 is severe and multifaceted, as it enables full remote code execution capabilities for unauthorized attackers. Successful exploitation allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary commands on the affected server, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the web application and underlying infrastructure. Organizations running Simple PHP News 1.0 final are exposed to risks including unauthorized access to sensitive data, server takeover, and potential use as a launchpad for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage this flaw from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes the weakness of "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and falls under the broader category of code injection attacks. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell," though in this case the execution occurs through PHP code rather than PowerShell. The vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1566, "Phishing with Malicious Attachments or Links," as attackers may use this vulnerability to deliver malicious payloads through compromised web applications. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the Simple PHP News application to version 1.1 or later, implementing proper input validation and sanitization, disabling unnecessary file write operations, and applying web application firewalls to monitor for suspicious patterns in HTTP requests. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities and implement proper code review processes to prevent such flaws in future development cycles.