CVE-2001-1052 in Empris
Summary
by MITRE
Empris PHP script 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 • 09/29/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-1052 represents a classic remote file inclusion flaw that was prevalent in early web application security landscapes. This issue affects the Empris PHP script implementation where an attacker can manipulate the includedir variable through HTTP requests to load and execute arbitrary files from remote web servers. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the script's file inclusion mechanism, creating an attack vector that allows remote code execution through maliciously crafted HTTP requests.
This security flaw operates at the intersection of several critical attack patterns and represents a fundamental failure in secure coding practices. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-98, which describes "Improper Control of Code Generation Called by a Parser," and more specifically aligns with CWE-88, "Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command." The attack leverages the PHP include functionality to fetch remote content, which can be exploited to execute malicious code on the target server. The operational impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow full system compromise, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malicious payloads.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates how insecure parameter handling can lead to catastrophic consequences in web applications. When the includedir variable is not properly validated or sanitized, attackers can inject URLs pointing to malicious remote servers, effectively bypassing local file access controls. This vulnerability operates under the ATT&CK framework category of T1059, "Command and Scripting Interpreter," specifically targeting the execution of malicious code through remote file inclusion techniques. The attack chain typically involves crafting a malicious HTTP request that includes the target server's URL in the includedir parameter, causing the vulnerable application to fetch and execute the attacker-controlled content.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability face significant operational risks including data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet, making detection and mitigation challenging. Security practitioners should implement comprehensive input validation, restrict file inclusion to local paths only, and employ proper parameter sanitization techniques to prevent such vulnerabilities. The remediation process involves ensuring that all user-supplied input to file inclusion functions is properly validated, implementing whitelisting mechanisms for acceptable file paths, and avoiding dynamic inclusion of external resources without proper security controls. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar patterns that may exist in other application components, as this type of vulnerability was particularly common in legacy PHP applications of that era.