CVE-2010-4998 in ardeaCore PHP Framework
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in ardeaCore/lib/core/ardeaInit.php in ardeaCore PHP Framework 2.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the pathForArdeaCore parameter. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2025
The CVE-2010-4998 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the ardeaCore PHP Framework version 2.2, specifically affecting the ardeaInit.php file located in the core library directory. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object reference and remote code execution flaws, which are classified as CWE-434 and CWE-94 respectively within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data before incorporating it into critical system operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the pathForArdeaCore parameter which accepts external URL inputs without proper validation. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through this parameter, the framework's code execution flow inadvertently includes and executes the remote PHP file, thereby enabling arbitrary code execution on the target server. This occurs because the framework uses user-controllable input directly in file inclusion functions such as include or require without proper sanitization or whitelisting mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to execute malicious PHP code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and perform various malicious activities including data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and deployment of additional malware. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload backdoors, modify existing files, or even install rootkits on the affected systems. The remote nature of this exploit means that attackers can exploit the vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target infrastructure, making it particularly attractive for automated exploitation campaigns. This vulnerability directly maps to several tactics in the MITRE ATT&CK framework including execution through web shell deployment, privilege escalation, and persistence mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4998 should focus on immediate patching of the ardeaCore framework to version 2.3 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures that reject or encode any URL-containing input before it reaches the file inclusion functions. The use of allowlists for acceptable file paths and implementing proper parameter validation can prevent malicious inputs from being processed. Additionally, disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configuration and implementing web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and frameworks within the organization's infrastructure, as this type of vulnerability commonly occurs in legacy systems that have not received proper security updates.