CVE-2010-3419 in Family Connections CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Haudenschilt Family Connections CMS (FCMS) 2.2.3 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the current_user_id parameter to (1) familynews.php and (2) settings.php.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2025
The CVE-2010-3419 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw discovered in the Haudenschilt Family Connections CMS version 2.2.3, exposing the application to arbitrary code execution attacks. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the application's parameter handling processes, specifically affecting two key script files within the CMS framework. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input passed through the current_user_id parameter, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The vulnerability affects both familynews.php and settings.php scripts, indicating a systemic issue in how the CMS processes user authentication and configuration parameters.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, known as "Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command," and CWE-94, "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')." The flaw enables attackers to leverage remote file inclusion techniques where malicious URLs can be passed as parameters to execute code on the vulnerable server. The attack vector operates through the manipulation of the current_user_id parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation, allowing an attacker to inject a URL that points to malicious PHP code hosted on an external server. This creates a persistent threat where the CMS will include and execute the attacker-controlled code as part of its normal processing flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Successful exploitation can lead to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments where the CMS is deployed. The vulnerability affects the core authentication and configuration management functions of the family connections CMS, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges, modify user accounts, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive family data stored within the application. Organizations using this version of the CMS face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches, particularly in environments where the application handles sensitive personal information.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of several defensive measures including input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in URL construction and file inclusion operations. The recommended approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing suspicious characters or patterns commonly associated with remote file inclusion attacks. Organizations should also apply the official security patch provided by the CMS vendor, as this vulnerability was addressed through proper code fixes that enforce proper input sanitization and parameter handling. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with rules specifically designed to detect and block remote file inclusion attempts, and conducting regular security audits of application code to identify similar vulnerabilities, forms part of comprehensive defense strategies against such attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security framework, particularly addressing the risks associated with insecure direct object references and injection flaws.