CVE-2009-3065 in Vedit
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in editor/edit_htmlarea.php in Ve-EDIT 0.1.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the highlighter parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3065 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Ve-EDIT content management system version 0.1.4. This issue specifically affects the editor/edit_htmlarea.php component where user input is improperly validated and directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without adequate sanitization. The vulnerability exists within the highlighter parameter handling mechanism, which accepts URL values that are subsequently processed through include or require functions, creating an avenue for remote code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and specifically relates to CWE-94, which encompasses the execution of arbitrary code due to improper input validation. The flaw demonstrates a classic path traversal and code injection vulnerability where attacker-controlled input can manipulate the application's file inclusion logic.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious URL parameter that gets passed to the highlighter variable in the edit_htmlarea.php script. When the application processes this input without proper validation, it attempts to include the specified remote file, effectively allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to bypass traditional security measures by leveraging legitimate file inclusion mechanisms within the application. This attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote access tools and malicious file inclusion to establish persistent access. The attack can be executed through simple HTTP requests containing crafted URLs that point to attacker-controlled remote servers hosting malicious PHP payloads.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-3065 is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing full system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Successful exploitation can result in complete server takeover, enabling attackers to install backdoors, steal database credentials, modify website content, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects organizations using Ve-EDIT 0.1.4, which would typically be small to medium businesses or websites relying on this specific content management solution. The attack requires minimal technical expertise to execute, making it particularly dangerous for unpatched systems. Organizations may experience data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations depending on the nature of data stored on the compromised systems. The vulnerability also impacts the broader web application security landscape by demonstrating how seemingly minor input validation flaws can lead to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-3065 should focus on immediate patching of the affected Ve-EDIT version, as the vendor has likely released updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The recommended approach includes using allowlists for acceptable values, implementing strict parameter validation, and avoiding direct user input in include statements. Security measures should incorporate the principle of least privilege, ensuring that web applications run with minimal required permissions and that file inclusion operations are restricted to predefined safe directories. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar flaws in other applications and ensure proper security configuration practices are maintained across all web applications. The remediation process should include disabling unnecessary file inclusion features and implementing proper error handling to prevent information leakage that could aid attackers in exploitation attempts.