CVE-2009-3426 in MaxCMS
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/file_manager/special.php in MaxCMS 3.11.20b allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the fm_includes_special parameter.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3426 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within MaxCMS version 3.11.20b, specifically affecting the file_manager/special.php component. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data from being directly incorporated into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability exists in the fm_includes_special parameter which accepts URL values without proper sanitization, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-88, known as "Argument Injection in a Command," and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, "Improper Control of Generation of Code," which encompasses the execution of arbitrary code through improper handling of user input. The flaw operates under the principle that untrusted data is directly used in file inclusion operations without proper validation or sanitization, making it susceptible to manipulation by remote attackers. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1190 "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059.007 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell," as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious commands and scripts on the compromised system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it allows remote attackers to achieve complete system compromise without requiring authentication or prior access. An attacker can construct a malicious URL containing PHP code and pass it through the fm_includes_special parameter, enabling the web application to include and execute the remote code. This creates a persistent backdoor capability where attackers can establish long-term access to the system, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system enumeration, and further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the content management system, potentially compromising all websites hosted on the affected server.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-3426 should prioritize immediate patching of the MaxCMS application to version 3.11.21 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. System administrators should implement input validation and sanitization measures that reject any non-numeric or non-expected input patterns for the fm_includes_special parameter. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting file inclusion operations to only local files and implementing strict path validation. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit access to the vulnerable application, while web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious URL patterns. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system, as this flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices that may exist elsewhere in the application codebase.