CVE-2009-2399 in DM FileManager
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in dm-albums/template/album.php in DM FileManager 3.9.4, when register_globals is enabled, 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 • 04/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2399 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the DM FileManager 3.9.4 application that exploits a fundamental configuration weakness in PHP environments. This vulnerability specifically affects the dm-albums/template/album.php script where the SECURITY_FILE parameter is processed without proper input validation or sanitization. The flaw becomes exploitable when the PHP configuration setting register_globals is enabled, which historically allowed variables to be automatically imported from various sources including GET, POST, and COOKIE data into the global namespace. This configuration creates a dangerous attack surface where malicious actors can inject arbitrary PHP code through the SECURITY_FILE parameter, effectively bypassing normal application security controls and gaining unauthorized execution capabilities on the affected server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command. In this case, the vulnerability manifests as a remote code execution vector through the manipulation of global variables that are not properly validated or escaped. Attackers can construct malicious URLs containing PHP code within the SECURITY_FILE parameter, and when the vulnerable application processes this parameter, it includes and executes the malicious code as part of the normal application flow. The use of register_globals creates an environment where user-supplied input can directly influence the application's behavior without proper sanitization, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it requires minimal effort to exploit and can result in complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, representing a severe threat to system integrity and data confidentiality. When successfully exploited, attackers can gain full control over the affected web server, potentially leading to data breaches, system infiltration, and lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects organizations using outdated DM FileManager versions where security updates were not applied, leaving systems exposed to automated exploitation tools that scan for this specific flaw. This type of vulnerability is classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as part of the T1190 technique for Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries target known vulnerabilities in web applications to establish persistent access and execute malicious code remotely.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2399 must address both the immediate exploitation vector and the underlying configuration issues that enable the vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves disabling the register_globals directive in PHP configuration files, which immediately eliminates the automatic variable injection mechanism that makes this vulnerability exploitable. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, ensuring that any file inclusion operations use whitelisting approaches or strict path validation. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version that properly handles the SECURITY_FILE parameter through secure coding practices that prevent arbitrary file inclusion attacks. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense, though these should not be relied upon as primary mitigation measures. The vulnerability serves as a stark reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the dangers of legacy PHP configurations that enable dangerous automatic variable injection behaviors.