CVE-2002-0451 in PHPprojekt
Summary
by MITRE
filemanager_forms.php in PHProjekt 3.1 and 3.1a allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by specifying the URL to the code in the lib_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0451 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within PHProjekt version 3.1 and 3.1a, specifically affecting the filemanager_forms.php component. This issue stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to adequately restrict user-supplied data. The vulnerability occurs when the application processes the lib_path parameter without sufficient validation, allowing malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The flaw exists in the application's file handling logic where external URLs can be passed directly into the system without proper security checks, creating an avenue for attackers to manipulate the application's behavior.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and represents a classic case of code injection where user-controllable input is directly incorporated into executable code without proper sanitization. The attack vector specifically targets the lib_path parameter, which is designed to specify library paths within the application. However, due to insufficient validation, an attacker can provide a malicious URL that points to remote code, effectively bypassing local file access restrictions. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the vulnerable web application. The flaw demonstrates poor input sanitization practices and highlights the importance of implementing proper parameter validation and secure coding practices.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0451 extends far beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain full control over the web server running PHProjekt, potentially leading to data breaches, system infiltration, and further network attacks. The vulnerability enables attackers to execute commands with the privileges of the web server process, which could include reading sensitive configuration files, accessing databases, or deploying additional malware. This type of vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell," though in this case the execution occurs through PHP code injection rather than PowerShell specifically. The impact is significant because the vulnerability affects the core application functionality, potentially compromising all projects and data managed by PHProjekt.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0451 must focus on immediate patching and code validation improvements. The most effective solution involves applying the vendor-provided security patch that addresses the input validation flaw in filemanager_forms.php. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization measures that validate and sanitize all user-supplied parameters before processing them within the application. This includes implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing potentially dangerous characters or patterns, particularly those associated with URL schemes or file path manipulation. Additionally, the application should enforce proper access controls and restrict the lib_path parameter to only accept predefined, safe values. Security measures should also include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious URL patterns and parameter manipulation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments to prevent such code injection vulnerabilities from being exploited in production environments.