CVE-2009-3424 in MaxCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in MaxCMS 3.11.20b, when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) is_projectPath parameter to includes/InstantSite/inc.is_root.php; GLOBALS[thCMS_root] parameter to (2) classes/class.Tree.php, (3) includes/inc.thcms_admin_mediamanager.php, and (4) modul/mod.rssreader.php; is_path parameter to (5) class.tasklist.php, (6) class.thcms.php, (7) class.thcms_content.php, (8) class.thcms_modul_parent.php, (9) class.thcms_page.php, and (10) class.thcsm_user.php in classes/; and (11) includes/InstantSite/class.Tree.php; and thCMS_root parameter to (12) classes/class.thcms_modul.php; (13) inc.page_edit_tasklist.php, (14) inc.thcms_admin_overview_backup.php, and (15) inc.thcms_edit_content.php in includes/; and (16) class.thcms_modul_parent_xml.php, (17) mod.cmstranslator.php, (18) mod.download.php, (19) mod.faq.php, (20) mod.guestbook.php, (21) mod.html.php, (22) mod.menu.php, (23) mod.news.php, (24) mod.newsticker.php, (25) mod.rss.php, (26) mod.search.php, (27) mod.sendtofriend.php, (28) mod.sitemap.php, (29) mod.tagdoc.php, (30) mod.template.php, (31) mod.test.php, (32) mod.text.php, (33) mod.upload.php, and (34) mod.users.php in modul/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-3424 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting MaxCMS version 3.11.20b when the register_globals PHP configuration directive is enabled. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within multiple script files throughout the CMS architecture, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The flaw operates through multiple entry points across different modules and classes, making it particularly dangerous as it affects core functionality including content management, user administration, and module handling. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the dangerous combination of PHP's register_globals setting with insecure parameter handling in various CMS components. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from HTTP request parameters, which creates an environment where attacker-controlled input can be directly injected into the global namespace. Attackers can manipulate parameters such as is_projectPath, GLOBALS[thCMS_root], is_path, and thCMS_root to point to malicious remote URLs containing PHP payloads. These parameters are processed through include or require statements without proper validation, allowing the CMS to execute arbitrary code from remote servers. The vulnerability affects both the core application classes and module-specific scripts, demonstrating the widespread nature of the insecure parameter handling throughout the codebase.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete remote code execution capabilities on the affected server. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify content, escalate privileges, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's presence in core CMS components means that successful exploitation could compromise the entire content management infrastructure, potentially affecting thousands of web pages and user accounts. This type of vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services to gain initial access, and T1059, which covers the execution of commands through the use of remote code execution capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate exposure and underlying architectural issues. The primary recommendation is to disable the register_globals directive in PHP configuration, which immediately eliminates the core condition enabling this attack vector. Additionally, all affected MaxCMS installations should be updated to versions that properly validate and sanitize all input parameters before processing them in include statements. Implementing proper input validation through functions such as filter_var with appropriate validation flags, and using absolute path references instead of user-supplied variables in include operations, would prevent exploitation. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious parameter patterns, while regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the prevention of insecure direct object references and inadequate input validation.