CVE-2010-2618 in Adapcms
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in inc/smarty/libs/init.php in AdaptCMS 2.0.0 Beta, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the sitepath parameter. NOTE: it was later reported that 2.0.1 is also affected.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-2618 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in AdaptCMS version 2.0.0 Beta and its subsequent release 2.0.1. This security weakness resides within the inc/smarty/libs/init.php file of the content management system, exploiting a fundamental configuration issue that enables attackers to execute malicious code remotely. The vulnerability specifically leverages the presence of register_globals enabled on the target server, which creates an exploitable condition where user-controllable input can directly influence the PHP execution environment. The sitepath parameter serves as the attack vector, accepting URL values that are then processed without adequate sanitization or validation, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary PHP code that gets executed within the context of the web server.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more specifically relates to CWE-94, which covers the execution of arbitrary code or commands. This flaw operates under the principle that when register_globals is enabled, PHP variables can be automatically created from GET, POST, and cookie data, making it possible for attackers to manipulate the application's behavior by injecting malicious parameters. The attack scenario involves an attacker crafting a malicious URL with a sitepath parameter containing a remote file reference, which gets included by the vulnerable PHP application. This inclusion mechanism bypasses normal security controls and allows for the execution of arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to organizations using affected versions of AdaptCMS, as it enables remote code execution without authentication requirements. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to the web server, potentially escalating privileges, installing backdoors, or exfiltrating sensitive data. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require any special privileges or knowledge of legitimate credentials, making it particularly dangerous. The fact that both 2.0.0 Beta and 2.0.1 releases remain affected indicates a persistent flaw in the application's input handling and security design, suggesting inadequate security testing or patch management processes. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to potential data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations, particularly in regulated environments where such vulnerabilities could lead to significant regulatory penalties.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through patching the affected software to version 2.0.2 or later, which presumably addresses the remote file inclusion issue. Organizations should disable register_globals in their PHP configurations as a defensive measure, since this setting fundamentally weakens application security by allowing external input to influence PHP variable scope. Additional protective measures include implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-controllable parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests containing suspicious URL patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following security best practices from the ATT&CK framework, specifically addressing techniques related to remote code execution and privilege escalation. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities and implement secure coding practices that prevent the inclusion of external files without proper validation and authorization checks.