CVE-2010-4879 in dompdf
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in dompdf.php in dompdf 0.6.0 beta1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the input_file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4879 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the dompdf library version 0.6.0 beta1, which is widely used for generating PDF documents from HTML content in PHP applications. This vulnerability specifically affects the dompdf.php script where the input_file parameter fails to properly validate or sanitize user-provided URLs, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that allow untrusted data to be directly processed as a file path, bypassing normal security boundaries that should prevent external resource inclusion.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability places the responsibility on the application developers who integrate dompdf into their PHP environments, as the library itself becomes a vector for remote code execution when the input_file parameter is not properly sanitized. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious URLs that point to remote PHP scripts hosted on attacker-controlled servers, which then get included and executed by the vulnerable dompdf component. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 as "Improper Input Validation" and specifically relates to CWE-88 which deals with "Command Line Injection" and CWE-20 as "Improper Input Validation," making it a severe security weakness that can lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4879 extends far beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can result in full system compromise, data theft, and persistent backdoor establishment within affected environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, escalate privileges, or establish reverse shells that provide continuous access to compromised systems. The attack surface is particularly broad since dompdf is commonly used across various web applications including content management systems, e-commerce platforms, and document generation services, making numerous organizations potentially vulnerable to this type of remote code execution attack. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059.007 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python" when considering the potential for command execution through the included PHP scripts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4879 require immediate patching of the dompdf library to version 0.6.0 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and sanitization of the input_file parameter. Organizations should implement strict input validation measures that reject any URLs containing suspicious patterns or external references, and should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block attempts to include remote files through the vulnerable parameter. Additionally, developers should adopt secure coding practices that enforce the use of local file paths only, and implement proper access controls to prevent arbitrary file inclusion. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining updated dependencies and conducting regular security assessments of third-party libraries to prevent similar issues from occurring in future deployments.