CVE-2010-2315 in phpBazar
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in picturelib.php in SmartISoft phpBazar 2.1.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the cat parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2315 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the SmartISoft phpBazar 2.1.1 web application. This issue resides within the picturelib.php script which fails to properly validate user input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the cat parameter where an attacker can inject malicious URLs that get processed by the include() or require() functions, enabling arbitrary code execution on the target server. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, representing improper execution of code, where the flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands through code injection.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious URL that gets passed as the cat parameter to the vulnerable picturelib.php script. When the application processes this input without proper sanitization, it effectively includes and executes the remote file specified in the URL. This creates a pathway for attackers to execute malicious PHP code, potentially leading to complete server compromise, data exfiltration, or the deployment of backdoors. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates at the application level and does not require authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to execute arbitrary code.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the compromised system. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to establish a foothold within the network, escalate privileges, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks against internal systems. The vulnerability affects organizations using the phpBazar 2.1.1 platform, potentially exposing sensitive data and compromising the integrity of web applications. Given that this vulnerability was discovered in 2010, it represents a legacy issue that may still affect unpatched systems in environments where older software versions persist. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through patching or implementing input validation controls to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and the principle of least privilege in web application security, as it highlights how insufficient validation can lead to complete system compromise. This issue serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for security awareness and regular patch management to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.