CVE-2009-0701 in Cybershade
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in index.php in Cybershade CMS 0.2b, when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) THEME_header and (2) THEME_footer parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0701 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Cybershade CMS version 0.2b that exploits the dangerous combination of insecure parameter handling and the deprecated register_globals configuration. This vulnerability resides in the index.php file and specifically targets the THEME_header and THEME_footer parameters, which are processed without adequate input validation or sanitization. The flaw manifests when the register_globals directive is enabled on the web server, creating a dangerous environment where user-supplied data becomes automatically available as global variables within the PHP execution context.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of HTTP parameters that are directly incorporated into PHP include statements without proper validation. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL in either the THEME_header or THEME_footer parameters, and the server has register_globals enabled, the PHP interpreter treats the supplied URL as a legitimate include path. This allows the attacker to reference remote files containing malicious PHP code, which then gets executed on the target server with the privileges of the web application. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-88 as improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, specifically manifesting as improper input validation in the context of remote file inclusion attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Successful exploitation enables remote code execution, which can lead to data theft, server compromise, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal user interaction beyond crafting a malicious URL and can be exploited by automated scanning tools. Attackers can leverage this weakness to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive information, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks against other systems within the network perimeter. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-0701 must address both the immediate vulnerability and the underlying configuration issues that enable it. The most effective immediate fix involves disabling the register_globals directive in the PHP configuration, as this eliminates the core condition that allows the vulnerability to be exploited. Additionally, developers should implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in include or require statements. The recommended approach includes using allow_url_include = Off in php.ini, implementing strict parameter validation, and employing a whitelist approach for theme and template parameters. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious URL patterns and ensure that all CMS installations are updated to versions that have addressed this vulnerability. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and the dangers of relying on deprecated PHP configurations that were designed for less secure environments.