CVE-2009-4085 in Phptraverser
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in assets/plugins/mp3_id/mp3_id.php in PHP Traverser 0.8.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the GLOBALS[BASE] parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-4085 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the PHP Traverser 0.8.0 web application, specifically affecting the mp3_id.php plugin component. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input through the GLOBALS[BASE] parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that can be executed on the target server, effectively enabling remote code execution capabilities. The vulnerability's classification as a remote file inclusion issue places it squarely within the scope of CWE-88, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an input data stream or command. The attack vector leverages the application's trust in user input, where the GLOBALS[BASE] parameter is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without proper verification of the source or content integrity.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the GLOBALS[BASE] parameter, which is then processed by the mp3_id.php script. This processing typically involves functions like include(), require(), or similar file inclusion mechanisms that accept dynamic input. When the application fails to validate or sanitize this input, it can be interpreted as a legitimate file path or URL, leading to the execution of remote code on the vulnerable server. The severity of this flaw is amplified by the fact that it operates at the application layer, allowing attackers to potentially execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process. This vulnerability directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote file inclusion attacks to execute malicious code on target systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-4085 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for further compromise of the affected system. Once remote code execution is achieved, attackers can establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the entire PHP Traverser 0.8.0 application, making all installations potentially susceptible to exploitation. Organizations using this software face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential use as a staging ground for more sophisticated attacks. The lack of detailed provenance information regarding this vulnerability's discovery and disclosure adds uncertainty to the timeline of awareness and remediation efforts. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in environments where patch management practices are inadequate or delayed. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of broader attack surface assessments, particularly in legacy systems that may not receive regular security updates or patches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4085 should focus on immediate defensive measures including input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The most effective immediate fix involves implementing proper parameter validation to reject any input that contains URLs or file paths that could lead to remote file inclusion. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious parameter values. The patching approach requires updating the PHP Traverser application to a version that addresses this vulnerability, as the original 0.8.0 version is likely to contain multiple security flaws. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles can limit the damage from successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other applications and plugins within the system. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation as fundamental security controls that should be implemented throughout the application development lifecycle.