CVE-2001-1049 in Phorecast
Summary
by MITRE
Phorecast PHP script before 0.40 allows remote attackers to include arbitrary files from remote web sites via an HTTP request that sets the includedir variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1049 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in the Phorecast PHP script version 0.40 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and insecure file inclusion mechanisms that allow remote attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through crafted HTTP requests. The vulnerability specifically targets the includedir variable which controls which directory files are included from during script execution, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on PHP's ability to include files from remote locations through the include or require functions when user-controllable variables are not properly sanitized. When an attacker sends a specially crafted HTTP request that modifies the includedir parameter, the application fails to validate or sanitize this input before using it in file inclusion operations. This creates a classic path traversal and remote file inclusion vulnerability that falls under CWE-98, which describes improper file inclusion vulnerabilities where an application includes files based on user input without adequate validation. The flaw essentially allows attackers to specify any remote URL as the source for file inclusion, potentially enabling them to execute malicious code hosted on remote servers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, representing a significant threat to system integrity and security. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially gaining full control over the web server. The vulnerability can be exploited to download and execute malicious payloads, establish backdoors, or perform further reconnaissance activities within the network. This type of vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to gain unauthorized access. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for web-facing applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-1049 should focus on immediate patching and implementation of input validation controls. Organizations must upgrade to Phorecast version 0.40 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms. In the interim, administrators should implement strict input validation for all user-controllable parameters, particularly those related to file inclusion operations. The recommended approach includes disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configuration, implementing proper parameter validation, and using allowlists for acceptable file inclusion paths. Additionally, network-level protections such as firewall rules and web application firewalls can help detect and block suspicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing the principle of least privilege in web application development to prevent similar issues in future implementations.