Description Preview
The PHP FormMail Generator contains a path traversal vulnerability that allows remote unauthenticated attackers to access arbitrary files on the server due to improper validation of user input folder directories in the generated PHP form code. This vulnerability affects all PHP form code generated by the PHP FormMail Generator website prior to December 6, 2016.
Overview
The PHP FormMail Generator is a tool that creates PHP code for handling form submissions on websites. The vulnerability (CVE-2016-9484) exists because the generated code fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input for folder directories. This path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) allows attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure by using "../" sequences or similar techniques in their requests. By exploiting this vulnerability, attackers can potentially access sensitive files on the server, including configuration files, password files, or other protected content, which could lead to unauthorized information disclosure or further system compromise.
Remediation
To address this vulnerability, website owners should take the following actions:
- Regenerate any PHP form code using the PHP FormMail Generator website after December 6, 2016, when the fix was implemented.
- Replace all previously generated form code with the updated, secure version.
- Implement additional server-side validation to prevent directory traversal attacks:
- Use PHP's realpath() function to resolve any path manipulation attempts
- Validate and sanitize all user inputs before processing
- Consider implementing a whitelist approach for allowed directories
- Configure web server permissions to limit access to sensitive files and directories.
- Regularly audit your web applications for security vulnerabilities, especially those using generated code from third-party services.
References
- CERT Vulnerability Note: https://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/494015
- SecurityFocus BID: http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/94778
- Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE-22): Path Traversal - https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/22.html
Industry ExposureMost to leastThis section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation
- ConstructionConstruction
- Educational ServicesEducational Services
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance
- InformationInformation
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises
- ManufacturingManufacturing
- MiningMining
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration)
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing
- Retail TradeRetail Trade
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing
- UtilitiesUtilities
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade
