CVE-2010-4924 in clearBudget
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in logic/controller.class.php in clearBudget 0.9.8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the actionPath parameter. NOTE: this issue has been disputed by a reliable third party.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-4924 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the clearBudget 0.9.8 web application. This vulnerability exists in the logic/controller.class.php file where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input passed through the actionPath parameter. The issue manifests as a classic php remote file inclusion vulnerability that allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary php code on the target server. Such vulnerabilities typically occur when applications dynamically include files based on user-supplied parameters without adequate input validation or sanitization mechanisms. The presence of this vulnerability in a budget management application is particularly concerning as it could enable attackers to gain full control over the server hosting the application, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to financial information. The disputed nature of this CVE indicates that there may be conflicting reports regarding the exact conditions under which the vulnerability can be exploited or the severity assessment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the application's improper handling of the actionPath parameter which is likely used to determine which controller file should be loaded for processing user requests. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL through this parameter, the application may concatenate this input directly into a file inclusion statement without proper validation, allowing the execution of code from remote servers. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-94 category of "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and specifically relates to CWE-434 which addresses "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type." The attack vector demonstrates characteristics consistent with the attack technique T1190 in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, which involves the exploitation of remote file inclusion vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code on target systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential data compromise and system infiltration. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive financial data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. Given that clearBudget is a budget management application, the data at risk includes sensitive financial records, user credentials, and potentially business-critical financial information. The vulnerability's presence in the controller class suggests that it affects core application functionality, making it particularly attractive to attackers seeking to gain comprehensive access to the system. Organizations using this version of clearBudget would be exposed to significant risk without proper mitigations in place, as the vulnerability could be exploited through simple web requests without requiring special privileges or complex attack chains.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the application. The most effective immediate fix involves removing or properly escaping user input before it is used in file inclusion operations, which aligns with the principle of least privilege and input validation best practices. Organizations should also implement proper web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious requests containing potentially malicious file inclusion patterns. The recommended approach includes validating that all file paths are restricted to predefined safe directories and implementing whitelisting mechanisms for allowed file inclusion sources. Additionally, updating to a patched version of clearBudget or migrating to a more secure alternative would provide long-term protection against this and similar vulnerabilities. Security monitoring should include regular vulnerability scanning and code review processes to identify and remediate similar issues in other components of the application stack.