CVE-2009-3055 in DLE
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in engine/api/api.class.php in DataLife Engine (DLE) 8.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the dle_config_api parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3055 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within DataLife Engine version 8.2, specifically affecting the engine/api/api.class.php file. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object reference and remote code execution issues, with direct implications for web application security. The flaw stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs into the dle_config_api parameter. This parameter is processed without adequate security controls, creating an avenue for attackers to execute malicious PHP code on the target system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the dle_config_api parameter, which is then processed by the vulnerable api.class.php script. The system's failure to validate or sanitize the input allows the remote file inclusion to proceed, enabling attackers to load and execute arbitrary PHP code from external servers. This type of vulnerability is classified as CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and specifically relates to CWE-94, which covers "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')." The attack vector allows for complete system compromise when successful, as the executed code runs with the privileges of the web server process.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to organizations using DataLife Engine 8.2, as it enables remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to the web server, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or complete server takeover. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access or credentials. This weakness directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers "Exploit Public-Facing Application," and T1059, which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter," as attackers can execute commands through the included PHP code. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include potential persistence mechanisms and lateral movement within compromised networks.
Effective mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of the DataLife Engine to a version that addresses the input validation flaw, implementing proper input sanitization and validation controls, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests containing suspicious URL patterns. Organizations should also implement strict parameter validation to ensure that only legitimate, expected values are accepted for the dle_config_api parameter. Additional protective measures include restricting file inclusion capabilities within the application, implementing proper access controls, and conducting regular security assessments of web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and the dangers of allowing user-supplied data to influence code execution paths, reinforcing the need for defense-in-depth security approaches that include both perimeter and application-level protections.