CVE-2009-1946 in AdaptBB
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in latestposts.php in AdaptBB 1.0, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the forumspath parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1946 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in AdaptBB 1.0 forum software that exploits improper input validation mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically affects the latestposts.php script and leverages the dangerous combination of register_globals being enabled on the target server. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input parameters, particularly the forumspath variable that is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without adequate validation or filtering.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-98, which classifies it as "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and more specifically aligns with CWE-88, "Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command ('Argument Injection'). The vulnerability operates by accepting a URL parameter through the forumspath variable that gets directly processed by PHP's include or require functions. When register_globals is enabled, this creates a dangerous condition where attacker-controlled data can be seamlessly integrated into the application's execution flow, bypassing normal security boundaries and access controls.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to affected systems as it enables remote code execution capabilities for attackers. The impact extends beyond simple data theft or service disruption to potentially allow full system compromise and persistence within the target environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, execute arbitrary commands, establish backdoors, or escalate privileges within the compromised system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where register_globals remains enabled, which was common in older php configurations and represents a legacy security misconfiguration that significantly amplifies the attack surface.
The attack vector for this vulnerability requires minimal prerequisites as it operates over standard network protocols and can be exploited through simple web requests. The vulnerability's exploitability is enhanced by the fact that it does not require authentication or specific user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to the technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1059.001 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python" when attackers leverage the remote execution capabilities to deploy additional malicious payloads or establish persistent access to the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate exposure and underlying configuration issues. The primary recommendation involves disabling register_globals in php.ini configuration files, which immediately eliminates the vulnerability's exploitation path. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application code is essential to prevent any future occurrences of similar flaws. The application should employ strict parameter validation, utilize whitelisting approaches for file inclusion operations, and implement proper access controls to restrict file operations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious parameter values, conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities, and ensure all legacy systems are properly updated or migrated to modern secure configurations.