CVE-2009-2773 in PHP Paid 4 Mail Script
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in home.php in PHP Paid 4 Mail Script allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the page parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2773 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the PHP Paid 4 Mail Script application, specifically affecting the home.php component. This issue arises from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before incorporating them into dynamic file inclusion operations. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes a URL provided through the page parameter, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code that gets executed on the target server. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-98 - Include File Injection, which is a well-documented weakness in web applications where user-controllable input is used to determine file paths without proper sanitization or validation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing PHP code within the page parameter of the home.php script. When the vulnerable application processes this input, it attempts to include the specified file path, inadvertently executing the injected code with the privileges of the web server process. This remote code execution capability enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including data exfiltration, server compromise, and establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper input validation and output encoding practices that are fundamental to secure web application development. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP, as it allows adversaries to execute PHP commands remotely through the web interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, establish command and control channels, and conduct further reconnaissance within the compromised network. The vulnerability affects organizations using the PHP Paid 4 Mail Script version containing the vulnerable home.php file, making it particularly concerning given the widespread use of such mail script applications in web hosting environments. Organizations may experience data breaches, service disruption, and regulatory compliance violations if this vulnerability remains unpatched. The risk is amplified by the fact that such vulnerabilities are often discovered and exploited by automated scanning tools, making vulnerable systems easy targets for widespread attack campaigns. Security professionals should consider implementing network segmentation, web application firewalls, and comprehensive input validation measures to mitigate the risk of exploitation while awaiting official patches from the software vendor. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices including input validation, output encoding, and proper error handling to prevent similar issues in future application development cycles.