CVE-2016-9484 in PHP FormMail Generator
Summary
by MITRE
The generated PHP form code does not properly validate user input folder directories, allowing a remote unauthenticated attacker to perform a path traversal and access arbitrary files on the server. The PHP FormMail Generator website does not use version numbers and is updated continuously. Any PHP form code generated by this website prior to 2016-12-06 may be vulnerable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9484 represents a critical path traversal flaw in the PHP FormMail Generator application that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on vulnerable systems. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the form code generation process, specifically concerning folder directory parameters that are not properly sanitized or validated before being processed by the application. The vulnerability affects all PHP form code generated by the affected website prior to the remediation date of December 6, 2016, indicating a prolonged window of exposure for affected systems. The continuous update model of the PHP FormMail Generator website without version control or clear release notes created an environment where administrators could unknowingly deploy vulnerable code versions, as the application's evolution was not clearly tracked or communicated to users.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of directory traversal sequences in user input parameters, allowing attackers to bypass intended file access restrictions and navigate to arbitrary locations within the server's file system. This flaw falls under the CWE-22 category of Path Traversal vulnerabilities, specifically representing a weakness where input validation fails to properly restrict access to files and directories outside of the intended scope. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates without authentication requirements, making it particularly dangerous as any remote user can exploit it without prior access credentials. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, source code, and other potentially compromising information stored on the affected server.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple information disclosure, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise through access to critical system files, application configuration data, and potentially sensitive user information. The continuous update model of the affected application creates additional operational challenges for system administrators who may not be aware of when their generated code became vulnerable, as the lack of version control makes it difficult to identify and remediate affected installations. This vulnerability directly aligns with tactics described in the ATT&CK framework under T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachment) as attackers can use this weakness to discover and extract sensitive files from compromised systems. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions of the application underscores the importance of proper input validation and the need for version control in web application development.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to identify and update all affected PHP form code generated before the December 6, 2016 remediation date. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation measures that sanitize all user-supplied directory parameters and enforce strict access controls on file system operations. The remediation process must include updating the PHP FormMail Generator application to its latest version and ensuring that all generated code includes proper path validation mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect suspicious file access patterns and establish clear version control procedures for all web application components. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications, as this vulnerability demonstrates the risks associated with continuous update models that lack proper version tracking and communication protocols. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and the potential consequences of inadequate security measures in web application development practices.