CVE-2009-4739 in Online Dating Software
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in SkaDate Dating allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the language_id parameter. NOTE: this can also be leveraged to include and execute arbitrary local files via directory traversal sequences.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2026
The CVE-2009-4739 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the SkaDate Dating platform that fundamentally compromises the security posture of affected systems. This vulnerability exists within the index.php script and specifically targets the language_id parameter, creating an attack vector that enables remote code execution through carefully crafted URL inputs. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and sanitization that has been consistently identified as a primary weakness in web application security frameworks. The vulnerability operates by accepting user-supplied URLs directly into the application's include mechanism without proper validation, allowing attackers to inject malicious file paths that get executed within the context of the web server process. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited from remote locations without requiring any local access or authentication credentials, making it a prime target for automated scanning and exploitation campaigns.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with common attack methodologies documented in the attack framework. When an attacker provides a malicious URL in the language_id parameter, the application's flawed input handling causes the system to attempt to include and execute the remote file as if it were a legitimate application component. This behavior creates a direct pathway for arbitrary code execution, as the web server processes the included file with the same privileges as the application itself. The vulnerability's dual nature allows for both remote and local file inclusion attacks, with the directory traversal sequences enabling attackers to access local files on the server that might contain sensitive information or additional attack vectors. This characteristic significantly expands the attack surface and makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to escalate privileges or access restricted system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-4739 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data breaches. Organizations running affected SkaDate installations face the risk of unauthorized access to user databases, personal information exposure, and potential backdoor installation for persistent access. The vulnerability's ability to include local files through directory traversal means attackers can potentially access configuration files, database credentials, and other sensitive system information that could be used to further compromise the environment. This type of vulnerability typically results in the application being fully compromised, allowing attackers to establish persistent access, exfiltrate data, or use the system as a launch point for attacks against other network resources. The vulnerability's presence in a dating platform specifically increases the risk of personal data exposure, as these applications often contain sensitive user information including personal details, contact information, and potentially intimate communications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4739 must address both the immediate exploitation risk and the underlying architectural weaknesses that enabled the vulnerability. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in include or require statements. This approach aligns with the principle of least privilege and input validation practices recommended by security standards such as the CWE-94 weakness category, which specifically addresses improper use of code execution mechanisms. Organizations should also implement proper parameter validation that rejects any input containing remote URL schemes or directory traversal sequences. The remediation process requires updating the SkaDate platform to a patched version that properly validates and sanitizes the language_id parameter, while also implementing web application firewalls and input filtering mechanisms. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect attempts to exploit this vulnerability through unusual URL patterns or suspicious parameter combinations. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, as this type of flaw often indicates broader architectural security issues that require comprehensive remediation rather than isolated fixes.