CVE-2010-3209 in Seagull
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Seagull 0.6.7 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the includeFile parameter to (1) Config/Container.php and (2) HTML/QuickForm.php in fog/lib/pear/, the (3) driverpath parameter to fog/lib/pear/DB/NestedSet.php, and the (4) path parameter to fog/lib/pear/DB/NestedSet/Output.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/16/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-3209 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting Seagull 0.6.7, a PHP-based content management system. This vulnerability manifests through multiple attack vectors that exploit improper input validation in several key files within the application's library structure. The core issue stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations, creating pathways for attackers to inject malicious code through carefully crafted URLs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves four distinct file inclusion points that all suffer from the same fundamental flaw. The first two vectors are found in Config/Container.php and HTML/QuickForm.php located within the fog/lib/pear/ directory structure, where the includeFile parameter accepts user input without proper validation. The third vulnerability exists in fog/lib/pear/DB/NestedSet.php through the driverpath parameter, while the fourth occurs in fog/lib/pear/DB/NestedSet/Output.php via the path parameter. All these locations demonstrate the same insecure coding practice where user-controllable variables are directly incorporated into include or require statements without adequate sanitization or validation checks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to affected systems as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The implications extend beyond simple code execution to include potential system compromise, data theft, and lateral movement within network environments. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to upload backdoors, establish persistent access, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks against other networked systems. The widespread nature of the vulnerability across multiple files within the application's library structure increases the attack surface significantly, making it more likely that an attacker could successfully exploit at least one of the vulnerable paths.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of code injection through file inclusion mechanisms. This classification reflects the core issue where user input is not properly sanitized before being used in dynamic code execution contexts. Additionally, the vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploits for execution through remote code execution vulnerabilities, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreter execution. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through patching, as the attack surface includes multiple entry points that could be exploited in combination or individually depending on the specific system configuration and available attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the Seagull 0.6.7 application to the latest available version that addresses these file inclusion vulnerabilities. System administrators should implement input validation measures at all application entry points, particularly for parameters that control file inclusion operations. Network-based defenses such as web application firewalls should be configured to monitor and block suspicious patterns in URL parameters that could indicate attempts to exploit these vulnerabilities. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that web server processes run with minimal necessary permissions, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar patterns in other application components that might present analogous vulnerabilities.