CVE-2001-1051 in darkportal
Summary
by MITRE
Dark Hart Portal (darkportal) PHP script allows remote attackers to include arbitrary files from remote web sites via an HTTP request that sets the includedir variable.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1051 affects the Dark Hart Portal web application, a PHP-based content management system that was prevalent in the early 2000s. This security flaw represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference and remote file inclusion, allowing malicious actors to exploit the application's file inclusion mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically targets the includedir variable within the darkportal PHP script, which is designed to handle dynamic content inclusion but fails to properly validate or sanitize user input. This weakness enables attackers to manipulate the script's behavior by supplying crafted HTTP requests that reference external web resources, effectively bypassing the intended security boundaries of the application. The flaw falls under the category of CWE-98, which describes improper file inclusion vulnerabilities where applications include files based on user-supplied input without proper validation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of HTTP request parameters, specifically targeting the includedir variable that controls which directories or files the PHP script can access. When an attacker crafts a malicious request with a carefully constructed includedir parameter pointing to a remote web server, the vulnerable PHP script will attempt to include and execute code from that remote location. This process typically involves concatenating user input directly into file inclusion statements without proper sanitization or validation, creating a path traversal and code execution vector. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates at the application layer, allowing attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code on the target server, depending on the server's configuration and permissions. This type of vulnerability is closely related to ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to execute malicious code.
The operational impact of CVE-2001-1051 extends beyond simple code execution, potentially enabling attackers to gain full control over affected systems. Once exploited, attackers can establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system. Organizations running Dark Hart Portal applications were particularly vulnerable because the flaw allowed attackers to include malicious PHP code from remote servers, potentially enabling data theft, service disruption, or use as a command and control channel. The vulnerability's classification as a remote file inclusion issue makes it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through web browsers or automated scanning tools, with minimal technical expertise required for successful exploitation. This makes it a prime target for automated attacks and increases the potential attack surface significantly.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-1051 focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application code. The most effective approach involves removing or restricting the use of user-supplied input in file inclusion operations, instead using whitelisting approaches that only allow predefined, safe values. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing suspicious characters or patterns that could indicate malicious intent. Server-side configuration changes can also help prevent exploitation by disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP settings and implementing proper access controls. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious patterns in HTTP requests that attempt to exploit this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege, ensuring that web applications run with minimal required permissions to reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability serves as a historical example of why proper input validation and secure coding practices are essential in preventing remote code execution vulnerabilities in web applications.