CVE-2010-1528 in Uiga
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in include/template.php in Uiga Proxy, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the content parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/03/2025
The CVE-2010-1528 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Uiga Proxy web application that exploits a fundamental security weakness in PHP's configuration. This vulnerability specifically targets the include/template.php file within the application's codebase and requires the dangerous register_globals directive to be enabled on the target server. The flaw occurs when user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without proper sanitization, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code execution. The vulnerability operates through the content parameter which is processed by the template inclusion mechanism, allowing attackers to manipulate the application's behavior by specifying external URLs that are then included and executed as PHP code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic remote code execution vector that leverages the insecure handling of user input in PHP applications. When register_globals is enabled, variables from the HTTP request are automatically imported into the global scope, bypassing normal input validation mechanisms. Attackers can craft malicious requests containing URLs in the content parameter that point to remote servers hosting malicious PHP payloads. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates at the application layer, requiring no special privileges or local access, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-88 as improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command, and falls within the broader category of CWE-94 as execution of arbitrary code/commands, specifically manifesting as code injection in the context of file inclusion.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1528 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Once exploited, attackers can gain persistent access to the compromised server, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it attractive to both skilled and less experienced threat actors. Organizations running Uiga Proxy with register_globals enabled face significant risk of unauthorized access, as the vulnerability can be exploited through standard web application attacks without requiring specialized tools or deep system knowledge. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that many legacy web applications were configured with register_globals enabled for backward compatibility, creating a widespread exposure across numerous systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1528 require immediate action to disable the vulnerable register_globals configuration and implement proper input validation controls. The most critical remediation involves setting register_globals to off in the PHP configuration, which eliminates the primary exploitation vector for this vulnerability. Additionally, developers should implement strict input validation and sanitization mechanisms for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The application should employ whitelisting approaches for template selection and avoid dynamic inclusion of external resources without proper validation. Security measures should include implementing proper access controls, monitoring for unusual file inclusion patterns, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious payload delivery attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege and regularly audit their PHP configurations to ensure that dangerous settings like register_globals remain disabled. This vulnerability serves as a prime example of why modern security practices emphasize the importance of input validation, secure coding practices, and proper configuration management as fundamental defenses against code injection attacks.