CVE-2009-4156 in Ciamos
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in modules/pms/index.php in Ciamos CMS 0.9.5 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the module_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2025
The CVE-2009-4156 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Ciamos Content Management System version 0.9.5 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the modules/pms/index.php file where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. The flaw specifically manifests when the module_path parameter is manipulated by an attacker to reference external URLs, enabling unauthorized code execution on the vulnerable system. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution attacks that have been systematically catalogued by CWE as CWE-98 and CWE-88 respectively, with the underlying mechanism aligning with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation through remote file inclusion.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the module_path parameter to the vulnerable script. The CMS application then processes this input without proper validation, treating the external URL as a legitimate file path and including it in the execution context. This allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it requires no authentication to exploit, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices that should be addressed through proper sanitization and whitelisting mechanisms as recommended by secure coding standards.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain persistent access to the affected server, potentially using it as a foothold for further network exploration and lateral movement. The vulnerability creates a significant risk for organizations relying on Ciamos CMS, as it can be exploited to install backdoors, steal sensitive information, or use the compromised server for malicious activities. The remote nature of the attack means that defenders have limited visibility into exploitation attempts, making detection particularly challenging. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability enables techniques such as T1059 for command and control communication and T1078 for gaining access to compromised systems, making it a comprehensive threat vector.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4156 should focus on immediate patching of the affected Ciamos CMS versions, as the vendor has released updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement input validation measures that prevent external URL inclusion and enforce strict parameter sanitization. The implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring solutions can help detect and block exploitation attempts. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be applied by restricting file inclusion capabilities to only necessary components and ensuring that all user inputs are properly validated before processing. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation as outlined in OWASP Top 10 and ISO 27001 security standards, emphasizing that proper implementation of these controls can prevent such critical security flaws from being exploited in real-world scenarios.