CVE-2009-3694 in ezRecipe-Zee
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in config/config.php in ezRecipe-Zee 91, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the cfg[prePath] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3694 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the ezRecipe-Zee 91 web application configuration file. This weakness specifically affects the config/config.php script where the application fails to properly validate user input parameters. The vulnerability becomes exploitable when the PHP configuration directive register_globals is enabled, which historically allowed variables to be automatically imported from various sources including GET, POST, and COOKIE data. The flaw manifests when attackers manipulate the cfg[prePath] parameter by injecting directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation, enabling them to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary local files on the server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-22, which classifies directory traversal attacks as a fundamental weakness in input validation. Attackers can leverage this flaw to include and execute arbitrary local files by crafting malicious requests that manipulate the prePath parameter to traverse directories and access sensitive files such as configuration files, database credentials, or system files. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the presence of register_globals, which eliminates the need for explicit variable declaration and allows attackers to inject malicious values directly into the application's variable scope. This creates a scenario where user-supplied input can directly influence the application's behavior without proper sanitization or validation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to web application security and system integrity. The ability to execute arbitrary local files through directory traversal means that attackers can potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, escalate privileges, or even establish persistent backdoors on the affected system. The vulnerability affects not just the immediate application but can potentially compromise the entire server environment, especially when combined with other weaknesses or when the application runs with elevated privileges. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include full system compromise, making this a critical vulnerability that requires immediate attention and remediation.
Effective mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-3694 must address both the immediate vulnerability and underlying architectural weaknesses. The primary recommendation involves disabling the register_globals directive in PHP configuration, which eliminates one of the key prerequisites for exploitation. Additionally, comprehensive input validation and sanitization should be implemented to prevent malicious traversal sequences from being processed. The application code should employ proper path validation techniques, ensuring that all user-supplied paths are checked against a whitelist of allowed directories or properly encoded to prevent traversal attempts. Security measures should also include implementing proper access controls, using secure coding practices, and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring systems to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding guidelines and adhering to security best practices as outlined in various industry standards including those related to input validation and privilege management.