CVE-2009-2182 in Campsite
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Campsite 3.3.0 RC1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the GLOBALS[g_campsiteDir] parameter to (1) ad_popup.php, (2) camp_html.php, (3) init_content.php, (4) logout.php, (5) menu.php, and (6) set-author.php in admin-files/; (7) conf/liveuser_configuration.php; (8) include/phorum_load.php; (9) CommandProcessor.php and (10) index.php in admin-files/article_import; and (11) add.php, (12) add_move.php, (13) autopublish.php, and (14) autopublish_del.php in admin-files/articles/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-2182 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in Campsite 3.3.0 RC1, a content management system widely used for newsroom and publishing operations. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's administrative interfaces, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code through carefully crafted URLs. The flaw affects multiple entry points across the administrative backend, specifically targeting files within the admin-files directory structure, making it particularly dangerous as it encompasses various administrative functions including article management, user authentication, and system configuration components.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the GLOBALS[g_campsiteDir] parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization checks. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the value for this parameter, the application fails to validate or escape the input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. This creates a classic remote file inclusion (RFI) attack vector where PHP code execution can occur remotely, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the vulnerable server. The affected files span across multiple administrative functions including ad_popup.php, camp_html.php, init_content.php, and others, indicating a systemic flaw in how the application handles global configuration parameters across its administrative modules.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over the compromised Campsite installation. Successful exploitation can lead to full system compromise, data theft, unauthorized content modification, and potential lateral movement within network environments where the vulnerable system resides. The vulnerability's widespread nature across multiple files within the admin-files directory structure means that attackers can leverage different attack vectors to achieve their objectives, making detection and remediation more complex. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for execution of malicious code through command injection.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the Campsite application to version 3.3.0 RC2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the remote file inclusion flaws. Organizations should also implement input validation measures at the application level, ensuring that all parameters are properly sanitized before processing. Network-level defenses including web application firewalls and proper access controls can provide additional protection layers. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual file inclusion patterns and parameter manipulation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, as the flaw could have been prevented through proper parameter sanitization and secure coding practices. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities in other systems and ensure comprehensive protection against remote code execution attacks.