CVE-2009-1765 in pluck
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in pluck 4.6.2, when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the langpref parameter to (1) data/modules/contactform/module_info.php, (2) data/modules/blog/module_info.php, and (3) data/modules/albums/module_info.php, different vectors than CVE-2008-3194.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1765 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting pluck version 4.6.2 when the PHP configuration option register_globals is enabled. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category known as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')", which is a fundamental security weakness that allows attackers to access files outside of the intended directory structure. The flaw specifically targets three distinct module information files within the pluck content management system, creating multiple attack vectors that can be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the insecure handling of user input through the langpref parameter in three separate module files: data/modules/contactform/module_info.php, data/modules/blog/module_info.php, and data/modules/albums/module_info.php. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from HTTP request parameters, making it possible for attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through crafted input. The .. (dot dot) sequences in the langpref parameter allow attackers to traverse up the directory hierarchy and access files that should normally be restricted, potentially enabling them to include and execute arbitrary local files on the server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides remote attackers with the capability to perform arbitrary file inclusion attacks, which can lead to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code, access sensitive data, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that no local access is required, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet. This type of vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Unix Shell" and T1566.001 for "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment", as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands through file inclusion mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1765 should prioritize immediate patching of the pluck application to version 4.6.3 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this directory traversal vulnerability. System administrators should also disable the register_globals PHP configuration option, as this setting fundamentally undermines security controls by automatically creating global variables from HTTP inputs. Additional protective measures include implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, restricting file inclusion to specific directories, and employing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious traversal sequences. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and avoiding deprecated PHP configurations that weaken application security boundaries, as outlined in OWASP Top Ten security principles and NIST cybersecurity frameworks for web application security.