CVE-2009-3312 in phpPollScript
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in php/init.poll.php in phpPollScript 1.3 and earlier, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a crafted URL in the include_class parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3312 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the phpPollScript 1.3 and earlier versions, specifically affecting the php/init.poll.php component. This security weakness arises from the improper handling of user-supplied input within a context where register_globals is enabled, creating a dangerous attack vector for remote code execution. The flaw manifests when attackers manipulate the include_class parameter through crafted URLs, enabling them to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from the insecure use of user input in dynamic include statements without proper validation or sanitization. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from GET, POST, and cookie data, significantly expanding the attack surface. The phpPollScript application fails to properly validate or escape the include_class parameter, allowing attackers to inject malicious file paths that are then processed by the include() function. This design flaw directly aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and CWE-94, which addresses insufficient control of generation of code, both of which are fundamental weaknesses in input handling and code execution control.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it provides attackers with complete remote code execution capabilities on the affected system. An attacker can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands, potentially gaining full control over the web server, accessing sensitive data, or using the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects systems running phpPollScript versions 1.3 and earlier, making it particularly concerning for legacy systems that may not have received security updates. This weakness enables adversaries to bypass traditional security controls and directly compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the affected web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through version upgrades to phpPollScript 1.4 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the remote file inclusion issue. Additionally, administrators should disable register_globals in the php.ini configuration file, as this setting significantly reduces the attack surface for such vulnerabilities. Input validation and sanitization measures should be implemented to ensure that all user-supplied parameters are properly validated before being used in dynamic include statements. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious URL patterns and unauthorized access attempts. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures including network segmentation, web application firewalls, and regular security assessments to prevent successful exploitation attempts.