CVE-2009-2218 in phpCollegeExchange
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in phpCollegeExchange 0.1.5c, when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the home parameter to (1) i_head.php, (2) i_nav.php, (3) user_new_2.php, or (4) house/myrents.php; or (5) allbooks.php, (6) home.php, or (7) mybooks.php in books/. NOTE: house/myrents.php was also separately reported as a local file inclusion issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-2218 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting phpCollegeExchange version 0.1.5c, specifically when the PHP configuration parameter register_globals is enabled. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-88 category of Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94 which addresses Execution of Code with Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command. The flaw exists due to insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data that is directly incorporated into PHP include or require statements without proper security checks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the dangerous combination of register_globals being enabled and improper parameter validation. When register_globals is active, PHP automatically creates global variables from request data, including GET, POST, and COOKIE parameters. Attackers can manipulate the home parameter in multiple script files including i_head.php, i_nav.php, user_new_2.php, house/myrents.php, allbooks.php, home.php, and mybooks.php to inject malicious URLs. These URLs are then processed through PHP's include or require functions, allowing remote code execution through the inclusion of attacker-controlled files from external servers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and can be categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially gaining full control over the web application and underlying system. The vulnerability affects multiple entry points within the application, making it particularly dangerous as it provides multiple attack vectors for exploitation. The fact that house/myrents.php was also reported as a local file inclusion issue indicates the vulnerability may have been present in multiple forms, increasing the attack surface significantly.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal prerequisites beyond having access to the vulnerable web application and the ability to inject malicious URLs through the home parameter. The attack chain typically involves an attacker crafting a malicious URL pointing to a remote server hosting malicious PHP code, then submitting this URL through the vulnerable parameter to trigger the inclusion of the remote file. This execution model allows for the complete compromise of the web server, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Organizations using phpCollegeExchange with register_globals enabled should immediately implement mitigations including disabling register_globals, implementing proper input validation, and applying the latest security patches from the vendor to prevent exploitation of this critical vulnerability.