CVE-2010-2789 in MediaWiki
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in MediaWikiParserTest.php in MediaWiki 1.16 beta, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2789 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in MediaWiki's MediaWikiParserTest.php component within version 1.16 beta. This issue specifically manifests when the PHP configuration parameter register_globals is enabled, creating a dangerous condition that permits remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and handling of user-supplied data within the MediaWiki framework's parser testing functionality. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the application's behavior by injecting malicious file paths or URLs that get included and executed as PHP code, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command or query context, and more specifically with CWE-94, which encompasses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')." The vulnerability operates through the exploitation of PHP's register_globals directive, which automatically converts HTTP request variables into global variables, creating a dangerous environment where user input can directly influence script execution flow. When register_globals is enabled, malicious parameters can be passed through the URL or POST data that get interpreted as global variables, subsequently affecting the include or require statements within the vulnerable script.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected MediaWiki installation. Successful exploitation could result in arbitrary code execution, data theft, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within the network. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to upload backdoors, modify content, access sensitive user data, or use the compromised system as a staging ground for further attacks. The vulnerability affects not just individual wiki instances but could potentially impact entire organizations that rely on MediaWiki for content management, documentation, or collaborative platforms. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access or authentication.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2789 should prioritize immediate remediation through patching the MediaWiki application to version 1.16 stable or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations should also disable the register_globals directive in their PHP configurations, as this setting fundamentally undermines application security by creating automatic variable injection points. Additional protective measures include implementing proper input validation and sanitization, deploying web application firewalls, restricting file inclusion paths, and conducting regular security audits of PHP applications. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following the principle of least privilege and implementing proper access controls for wiki content management systems. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands through the compromised web application. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual file inclusion patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.