CVE-2009-2396 in DM Album
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in template/album.php in DM Albums 1.9.2, as used standalone or as a WordPress plugin, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the SECURITY_FILE parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2396 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the DM Albums 1.9.2 component, which operates both as a standalone application and as a WordPress plugin. This vulnerability resides within the template/album.php file and demonstrates a classic security weakness that has been documented in numerous software systems over the years. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input parameters, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of the SECURITY_FILE parameter, which is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization measures. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the value for this parameter, the application blindly includes and executes the remote file content, effectively allowing for arbitrary code execution on the server. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more specifically to CWE-94, which addresses the execution of code from untrusted sources. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests, making it particularly dangerous in web-based environments where user input is commonly accepted.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Once exploited, malicious actors can upload additional malware, establish persistent backdoors, access sensitive data, modify content, or even use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks against other systems. The vulnerability affects both standalone installations and WordPress plugin deployments, amplifying its potential impact across different deployment scenarios. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers the use of remote access tools and the exploitation of web application vulnerabilities for initial access and privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including the application of vendor patches, input validation implementation, and the adoption of secure coding practices. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation and sanitization to ensure that all user-supplied input is carefully examined before processing. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting file inclusion capabilities to only trusted sources, and the use of allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives should be carefully managed. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the application stack, as this type of vulnerability often indicates broader architectural security issues that may affect other parts of the system.