CVE-2009-4779 in NukeHall
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in NukeHall 0.3 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the spaw_root parameter to (1) blocks.php, (2) messages.php, and (3) stories.php in admin/modules/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4779 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting NukeHall versions 0.3 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the administrative module components of the application, specifically targeting three distinct files including blocks.php, messages.php, and stories.php located in the admin/modules/ directory. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into file inclusion operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the spaw_root parameter, which serves as a critical input point for the affected scripts. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL and injects it into this parameter, the application processes the input without sufficient validation, leading to the inclusion of arbitrary PHP files from remote servers. This behavior aligns with common web application vulnerability patterns classified under CWE-88, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and CWE-94, which covers improper control of generation of code, both of which are fundamental to remote code execution vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Successful exploitation allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary PHP code, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability affects the administrative functionality of NukeHall, making it particularly dangerous as it could enable attackers to gain elevated privileges and modify core application components. This weakness directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes exploitation of remote services, and T1059, which covers execution through scripting.
The security implications of this vulnerability are severe given that it affects core administrative files that typically contain sensitive functionality and access controls. Attackers could leverage this flaw to manipulate user accounts, modify content, or establish persistent access to the system. The vulnerability's presence in multiple files increases the attack surface and makes it more challenging to fully remediate. Organizations using affected versions of NukeHall face significant risk of unauthorized access and system compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the importance of implementing proper sanitization and validation mechanisms for all user-supplied inputs.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the affected NukeHall versions, as well as implementing input validation measures to prevent the inclusion of external URLs in file operations. Security configurations should include disabling remote file inclusion capabilities and implementing proper access controls for administrative functions. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of following secure coding practices and adhering to established security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for web application security. Organizations should also implement network monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts.