CVE-2009-4115 in CuteNews
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple static code injection vulnerabilities in the Categories module in CutePHP CuteNews 1.4.6 allow remote authenticated users with application administrative privileges to inject arbitrary PHP code into data/category.db.php via the (1) category and (2) Icon URL fields; or (3) inject arbitrary PHP code into data/ipban.php via the add_ip parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2025
The CVE-2009-4115 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in CutePHP CuteNews version 1.4.6, specifically within its Categories module. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle user-supplied data. The flaw exists in the administrative interface where authorized users can manipulate various parameters that are subsequently written to configuration files without proper sanitization. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated administrative access, meaning that an attacker who has gained administrative credentials can exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected server. This creates a severe privilege escalation scenario where a compromised administrative account can lead to full system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through three distinct attack vectors that all involve the improper handling of user input in administrative settings. The first vector targets the category field and Icon URL fields within the Categories module, where user-supplied data is directly written to the data/category.db.php file without adequate sanitization. The second vector operates through the add_ip parameter that allows injection into the data/ipban.php file. Both attack vectors demonstrate a classic static code injection vulnerability where malicious code is embedded into configuration files that are later executed by the web application. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-94, which specifically addresses the execution of arbitrary code, and more broadly under CWE-20, which covers improper input validation. The vulnerability is classified as a code injection flaw that enables arbitrary code execution, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that process user input through administrative interfaces.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-4115 extends far beyond simple code injection, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where CuteNews is used for content management, as it can be exploited to modify website content, deface pages, or establish persistent access. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for execution through PHP and T1078 for legitimate credentials use, with potential progression to T1566 for initial access and T1021 for remote services exploitation. The impact is amplified by the fact that the vulnerability requires minimal privileges to exploit, making it an attractive target for attackers who have already gained administrative access through other means.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4115 should focus on immediate patching of the affected CuteNews version, as this vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures for all user-supplied data, particularly in administrative interfaces where configuration files are written. The principle of least privilege should be enforced, ensuring that administrative accounts have minimal necessary permissions and that access is monitored and audited. Additionally, implementing proper file permissions and access controls on configuration files can limit the impact of such vulnerabilities. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar input validation flaws in other applications. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, particularly in administrative interfaces where user input is directly processed and stored in executable contexts. Given the age of this vulnerability and the availability of patches, organizations should prioritize immediate remediation to protect against exploitation attempts.