CVE-2009-1779 in Frax.dk Php Recommend
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in admin.php in Frax.dk Php Recommend 1.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the form_include_template parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1779 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Frax.dk Php Recommend 1.3 software suite, which falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation. This vulnerability exists within the administrative interface component known as admin.php, where the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations. The specific parameter affected is form_include_template, which accepts URL values that should be validated and restricted to prevent unauthorized access to remote resources. This issue demonstrates a classic lack of proper input validation and sanitization that has been consistently categorized under CWE-22, which addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-94, which covers execution of arbitrary code through code injection vulnerabilities. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject URLs that point to remote servers hosting malicious PHP code, enabling them to execute arbitrary commands on the target system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious request containing a URL in the form_include_template parameter, which is then processed by the vulnerable application without adequate validation. The application directly includes this URL as a file path, bypassing normal security controls that would prevent access to external resources. This behavior creates a pathway for remote code execution attacks, where attackers can upload and execute malicious PHP scripts hosted on external servers, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application layer and requires minimal privileges to exploit, making it an attractive target for attackers who may be seeking to establish persistent access to the affected system. The flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploitation of remote services, and T1059, which addresses execution of malicious code through command injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data breaches. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, steal sensitive information, modify system configurations, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects all versions of Frax.dk Php Recommend up to and including version 1.3, indicating a widespread exposure across multiple installations. Organizations using this software face significant risk of unauthorized access, data loss, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by its remote nature, meaning attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system. This characteristic makes it particularly challenging to detect and mitigate, as the attack vectors are not limited by physical proximity or network boundaries. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to broader web application security practices and ensure comprehensive monitoring for exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1779 should focus on immediate patching of the affected software, as the vendor has likely released updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization measures to prevent unauthorized file inclusion operations, particularly for parameters that accept URL values. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts by monitoring for suspicious URL patterns in HTTP requests. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected applications and implement proper access controls to limit the impact of such vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include disabling unnecessary file inclusion features and implementing proper parameter validation to ensure that only trusted and validated input is processed by the application. Regular security updates and patch management processes are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future, as this type of flaw represents a common pattern in web application security that continues to affect systems across various platforms and technologies.