CVE-2009-4747 in AIOCP
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in public/code/cp_html2xhtmlbasic.php in All In One Control Panel (AIOCP) 1.4.001 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the page parameter, a different vector than CVE-2009-3220.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4747 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the All In One Control Panel version 1.4.001, specifically affecting the file public/code/cp_html2xhtmlbasic.php. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object reference and remote code execution threats that have been systematically catalogued under CWE-829, which addresses the inclusion of code from untrusted sources without proper validation. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system by manipulating the page parameter through a URL, creating a dangerous attack surface that directly compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the affected web application.
The technical mechanism of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize user input received through the page parameter. When the cp_html2xhtmlbasic.php script processes this parameter, it directly incorporates the provided URL into the file inclusion mechanism without adequate security checks or input sanitization. This behavior creates a pathway for attackers to reference remote files hosted on external servers, effectively allowing them to execute malicious PHP code on the target system. The vulnerability operates as a classic remote file inclusion attack vector where the attacker can leverage the application's legitimate file inclusion functionality to load and execute their own malicious payloads, bypassing normal access controls and security boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-4747 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of any system running the vulnerable AIOCP version. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, deploy backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access or local network privileges to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. This type of vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote file inclusion to gain initial access to target systems, and represents a significant threat to the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4747 must address both the immediate vulnerability and broader security practices within the application architecture. The primary remediation involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Organizations should enforce the use of allowlists for acceptable file paths and prevent dynamic URL inclusion in critical application components. Additionally, the implementation of secure coding practices such as disabling remote file inclusion features, using absolute paths for file operations, and implementing proper access controls can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning, as documented in industry standards like NIST SP 800-53, which emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring and remediation of software vulnerabilities to maintain effective security postures.