CVE-2009-4082 in Outreach Project Tool
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in forums/Forum_Include/index.php in Outreach Project Tool (OPT) 1.2.7 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the CRM_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4082 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Outreach Project Tool version 1.2.7 and earlier systems. This vulnerability exists in the forums/Forum_Include/index.php component of the OPT platform, which processes user input through the CRM_path parameter without adequate validation or sanitization. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs into the application's parameter handling mechanism, potentially allowing for unauthorized code execution on the target server. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to severe security implications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the CRM_path parameter to the vulnerable index.php script. The application fails to validate or sanitize this input before incorporating it into the file inclusion process, allowing the attacker to specify any remote URL that contains malicious PHP code. When the application attempts to include this remote file, the server executes the injected code with the privileges of the web application, potentially providing attackers with complete control over the affected system. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and CWE-94, which covers improper execution of code. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, specifically targeting remote services through the exploitation of web application vulnerabilities to achieve code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent access to the compromised system. Once successful, attackers can upload additional malicious files, create backdoors, or escalate privileges to gain administrative control over the server. The vulnerability affects organizations using outdated versions of the Outreach Project Tool, potentially exposing sensitive data, disrupting services, and enabling further lateral movement within the network. The remote nature of this attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with public-facing web applications. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues and potential legal consequences if sensitive information is compromised through such vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4082 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Outreach Project Tool versions to the latest available release. System administrators must implement strict input validation and sanitization procedures for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The implementation of a whitelist approach for file inclusion parameters can prevent attackers from specifying arbitrary URLs, while proper error handling and logging should be enabled to detect potential exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring and filtering traffic to and from vulnerable applications. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scans to identify similar issues in other applications and ensure that all systems are running patched and supported software versions. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to verify that the patch does not introduce any regressions in functionality while ensuring that the vulnerability has been fully addressed.