CVE-2009-4987 in Free Image Hosting Script
Summary
by MITRE
admin/header.php in Scripteen Free Image Hosting Script 2.3 allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and gain administrative access by setting the cookgid cookie value to 1, a different vector than CVE-2008-3211.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4987 affects the Scripteen Free Image Hosting Script version 2.3, specifically targeting the admin/header.php component. This flaw represents a critical authentication bypass issue that enables remote attackers to escalate privileges and gain full administrative control over the affected system. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of user credentials and session management within the application's administrative interface, creating a pathway for unauthorized access that does not rely on traditional attack vectors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the cookgid cookie parameter, which serves as a critical authentication mechanism within the script's administrative system. When an attacker sets the cookgid cookie value to 1, the application incorrectly interprets this value as a legitimate administrative session identifier, effectively bypassing all standard authentication checks. This particular approach differs from CVE-2008-3211, which utilized a different method for privilege escalation, demonstrating that the application suffers from multiple authentication bypass vulnerabilities that can be exploited through various means. The flaw resides in the application's trust of client-side cookie values without proper server-side validation and verification processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over the image hosting platform. This includes the ability to upload malicious files, modify user accounts, delete content, alter system configurations, and potentially use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability from any location without requiring physical access to the server or knowledge of administrative credentials. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by threat actors without the need for extensive reconnaissance or social engineering techniques.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization within applications, and CWE-312, which focuses on exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage or transmission. The flaw also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts, as it allows attackers to assume administrative roles without legitimate credentials. Organizations utilizing this script should immediately implement mitigations including input validation for cookie parameters, implementing proper session management protocols, and ensuring that administrative privileges are not granted based on simple cookie value manipulation. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version that properly validates administrative access requests and implements robust authentication mechanisms to prevent such cookie-based privilege escalation attacks.
The vulnerability highlights fundamental security weaknesses in the script's design philosophy, particularly around trust assumptions and credential validation. Modern secure application development practices would require server-side validation of all administrative actions and implementation of multi-factor authentication mechanisms. The existence of multiple similar vulnerabilities within the same application suggests a broader architectural security issue that requires comprehensive code review and security hardening measures. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to help identify and block exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern.