CVE-2010-4948 in PHP Free Photo Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in libs/adodb/adodb.inc.php in PHP Free Photo Gallery script allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2025
The CVE-2010-4948 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the PHP Free Photo Gallery script that exposes systems to arbitrary code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically targets the libs/adodb/adodb.inc.php file within the application's library structure, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking to compromise web servers. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters, particularly the path parameter that controls file inclusion operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs that manipulate the path parameter to include remote files, effectively bypassing local file access controls and executing unauthorized PHP code on the target server. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-98 Improper Input Validation, which is classified as a common weakness in software development practices that fail to properly validate user inputs before processing them.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates how improper parameter handling can lead to severe security implications in web applications. When the PHP Free Photo Gallery script processes user input through the path parameter, it fails to validate or sanitize the input before using it in file inclusion operations. This allows attackers to inject URLs that point to remote servers hosting malicious PHP payloads. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a malicious request that includes a URL in the path parameter, which then gets processed by the vulnerable adodb.inc.php file. The application's failure to restrict file inclusion to local resources creates an opportunity for remote code execution, enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access to the server's file system and potentially escalate privileges. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, which describes how attackers target vulnerabilities in publicly accessible web applications to establish initial access.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4948 extends beyond simple code execution, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access to compromised systems. Once exploited, attackers can use the remote code execution capability to upload additional malicious tools, create backdoors, or exfiltrate sensitive data from the compromised server. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate application but can also provide a foothold for broader network infiltration, particularly in environments where the photo gallery application runs with elevated privileges. Organizations running vulnerable versions of PHP Free Photo Gallery face significant risks including data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit, making it attractive to both skilled and less experienced attackers. Security teams must recognize that this vulnerability can be leveraged as part of larger attack campaigns, potentially serving as an initial access vector for more sophisticated multi-stage attacks that follow the ATT&CK framework's lateral movement and privilege escalation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4948 should focus on immediate patching of the vulnerable application and implementation of proper input validation controls. Organizations must ensure that all instances of the PHP Free Photo Gallery script are updated to versions that address this vulnerability, as the original flaw cannot be effectively patched through configuration changes alone. The remediation process should include disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in the application's configuration, implementing strict input validation for all user-supplied parameters, and employing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests. Additionally, security measures should include restricting file inclusion operations to local resources only, implementing proper access controls, and conducting regular security assessments of web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts and potential exploitation activities, as the vulnerability can be used to establish persistent access to compromised systems. The implementation of these mitigations aligns with security best practices outlined in industry standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001, which emphasize the importance of input validation, access control, and vulnerability management in maintaining secure application environments.