CVE-2010-4988 in Family Connections Who is Chatting
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in mod_chatting/themes/default/header.php in Family Connections Who is Chatting 2.2.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the TMPL[path] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4988 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Family Connections Who is Chatting 2.2.3 web application. This issue resides within the mod_chatting/themes/default/header.php file where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into file paths. The vulnerability specifically affects the TMPL[path] parameter which is used to determine template paths within the chat module, creating an avenue for attackers to inject malicious URLs that can be executed as PHP code on the target server.
This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category of CWE-88, which describes weaknesses related to improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, command, or query. The flaw essentially allows attackers to manipulate the application's file inclusion mechanism through crafted input parameters, enabling arbitrary code execution on the affected system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application level and can be exploited without requiring authentication, making it highly attractive to attackers seeking to compromise web servers running vulnerable versions of Family Connections.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to gain full control over the affected web server. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, establish backdoors, or even escalate privileges within the system. The attack vector is straightforward: a remote attacker simply needs to craft a malicious URL and pass it through the TMPL[path] parameter, which then gets processed by the vulnerable application. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to execute arbitrary code, and T1059, which covers the execution of commands through various interfaces including web shells.
From a mitigation perspective, the primary defense mechanism involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The application should employ strict whitelisting of acceptable template paths and reject any input that attempts to reference external URLs or contains suspicious characters. Additionally, the use of secure coding practices such as disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configuration and implementing proper parameter validation can significantly reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting known vulnerable parameters, and maintain up-to-date security patches for all web applications to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in preventing remote code execution flaws and aligns with security best practices outlined in standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.