CVE-2001-1468 in phpSecurePages
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in checklogin.php in phpSecurePages 0.24 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by modifying the cfgProgDir parameter to reference a URL on a remote web server that contains the code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1468 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in phpSecurePages version 0.24 and earlier, classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration as CWE-88 - Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command. This vulnerability exists within the checklogin.php script where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input parameters before using them in file inclusion operations. The specific parameter cfgProgDir is susceptible to manipulation by remote attackers who can inject malicious URLs to reference external web servers containing arbitrary PHP code. The flaw stems from the application's improper handling of user-supplied data in the context of file operations, creating an environment where attacker-controlled content can be executed within the application's runtime context.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker modifies the cfgProgDir parameter to point to a remote URL hosting malicious PHP code. When the vulnerable application processes this parameter, it performs a file inclusion operation that fetches and executes the remote code, effectively allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the target system. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be leveraged to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or perform further reconnaissance within the compromised environment. The attack vector is facilitated by the application's lack of input validation and the absence of proper sanitization mechanisms for parameters used in dynamic file operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2001-1468 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deploy backdoors, install malware, or modify application behavior to redirect traffic to malicious sites. The vulnerability's classification under the MITRE ATT&CK framework places it within the T1059.007 technique category for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP, indicating that it enables adversaries to execute malicious code through PHP-specific attack vectors. Organizations using affected versions of phpSecurePages face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations due to the exposure of sensitive information and unauthorized system access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected phpSecurePages versions to address the input validation flaws in checklogin.php. System administrators should implement proper parameter validation and sanitization to prevent user input from being used directly in file inclusion operations. The recommended approach involves implementing strict input validation that rejects any non-local file references and employing secure coding practices that prevent dynamic file inclusion with untrusted data. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability, while also ensuring that remote file inclusion features are disabled when not explicitly required. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper parameter handling in preventing remote code execution attacks, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and other industry standards for secure software development.