CVE-2002-0206 in PHP-Nuke
Summary
by MITRE
index.php in Francisco Burzi PHP-Nuke 5.3.1 and earlier, and possibly other versions before 5.5, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by specifying a URL to the malicious code in the file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2025
This vulnerability exists in the PHP-Nuke content management system version 5.3.1 and earlier, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code through the file parameter in the index.php script. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's file handling logic, specifically when processing user-supplied parameters that are directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without proper security checks. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the file parameter to reference external malicious code, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic file inclusion attack pattern where the application accepts user input through the file parameter and uses it directly in include or require statements without proper validation or sanitization. This creates a path traversal and code injection scenario where attackers can specify URLs pointing to malicious PHP scripts hosted on remote servers, effectively bypassing local file access restrictions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially enabling them to read sensitive files, establish backdoors, or perform further attacks within the compromised environment. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-94, which represents "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP" within the execution phase of an attack.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data breaches. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to the web server, potentially accessing databases, user credentials, and sensitive application data. The vulnerability affects not just the targeted application but could also provide a foothold for lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Organizations running affected versions of PHP-Nuke face significant risk of unauthorized access, data exfiltration, and potential service disruption, as the vulnerability allows for persistent access through the execution of malicious code. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication, making it an ideal target for automated exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves upgrading to PHP-Nuke version 5.5 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched through proper input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters. Administrators should also implement input validation mechanisms that reject suspicious file paths and prevent the inclusion of external URLs in file parameters. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, regular security audits, and monitoring for unusual file access patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of validating all user inputs and implementing secure coding practices, particularly when dealing with file operations and dynamic code inclusion, as outlined in secure coding guidelines and best practices recommended by organizations such as OWASP and NIST.