CVE-2001-1297 in Actionpoll
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in Actionpoll PHP script before 1.1.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the includedir parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/27/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-1297 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw that affected Actionpoll PHP scripts prior to version 1.1.2. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution vectors that have plagued web applications for decades. The flaw specifically resides in how the application handles the includedir parameter, which is used to specify directories where PHP files should be included for processing. When an attacker can manipulate this parameter with a malicious URL, the application inadvertently executes arbitrary PHP code from remote locations, creating a severe security risk that can compromise entire web servers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the Actionpoll script. When the includedir parameter is passed directly to PHP's include or require functions without adequate sanitization, attackers can inject malicious URLs that point to remote servers hosting attacker-controlled PHP code. This creates a pathway for remote code execution where the web server essentially becomes an unwitting proxy for executing malicious payloads. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which specifically addresses improper file inclusion vulnerabilities, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to catastrophic security consequences. The flaw demonstrates the dangerous intersection of user-controllable input and server-side file inclusion mechanisms that has been a persistent challenge in web application security.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to affected systems as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target server with the privileges of the web server process. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially enable full system compromise, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, install malware, or use the compromised server as a launch point for attacks against other systems. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not need physical access to the target system and can exploit it from anywhere on the internet. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone who can access the vulnerable application, regardless of their physical location or network proximity.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-1297 center on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. The most effective approach involves disabling the ability to pass external URLs to file inclusion functions and implementing strict parameter validation that only accepts known, safe directory paths. Organizations should update to Actionpoll version 1.1.2 or later, which includes patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Additional protective measures include configuring web servers to disable remote file inclusion capabilities, implementing proper access controls, and conducting regular security audits of web applications. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving remote code execution and privilege escalation, and organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect suspicious file inclusion patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the use of secure input validation and avoiding dangerous functions like include with user-controllable parameters.