CVE-2022-40089 is a critical remote file inclusion (RFI) vulnerability affecting Simple College Website version 1.0. This vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target server by leveraging a crafted PHP file. The exploitability of this vulnerability depends on the PHP configuration directive allow_url_include being set to On, which permits the inclusion of remote files via PHP include statements. When enabled, an attacker can supply a malicious URL that points to a remote PHP file, which the vulnerable application then includes and executes. This leads to full compromise of the web server, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary commands, manipulate data, or pivot further into the network. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program), which highlights insecure handling of file inclusion functions. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.8 (critical), reflecting the vulnerability's high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, combined with its ease of exploitation without any privileges or user interaction. Although no specific vendor or product beyond Simple College Website v1.0 is identified, the vulnerability is significant for any deployment of this software with the insecure PHP configuration. No patches or known exploits in the wild are currently reported, but the critical nature demands immediate attention.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a severe risk, especially for educational institutions, small colleges, or organizations using Simple College Website v1.0 or similar PHP-based web applications with insecure configurations. Successful exploitation can lead to full server compromise, data breaches involving sensitive student or staff information, defacement of websites, and potential lateral movement within internal networks. The impact extends to loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical systems. Given the critical CVSS score and the lack of authentication or user interaction requirements, attackers can remotely and stealthily exploit this vulnerability, increasing the risk of widespread damage. Additionally, compromised servers could be used as a foothold for launching further attacks against European infrastructure or for hosting malicious content, which could have reputational and legal consequences under GDPR and other data protection regulations.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should first verify and disable the PHP directive allow_url_include by setting it to Off in the php.ini configuration file, as this is the primary enabler of the RFI attack vector. This change significantly reduces the risk of remote file inclusion attacks. Organizations should also audit their web applications to ensure no user input is directly used in file inclusion functions without proper validation or sanitization. If possible, upgrade or replace Simple College Website v1.0 with a more secure and actively maintained solution. Implement web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block suspicious file inclusion attempts. Regularly monitor web server logs for unusual requests that may indicate exploitation attempts. Conduct security assessments and penetration testing focused on file inclusion vulnerabilities. Finally, maintain a robust incident response plan to quickly contain and remediate any exploitation.