CVE-2002-0483 in PHP-Nuke
Summary
by MITRE
index.php for PHP-Nuke 5.4 and earlier allows remote attackers to determine the physical pathname of the web server when the file parameter is set to index.php, which triggers an error message that leaks the pathname.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0483 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within PHP-Nuke 5.4 and earlier versions that exposes the underlying file system structure of affected web servers. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php file within the PHP-Nuke content management system, creating a pathway for remote attackers to harvest sensitive system information through crafted malicious requests. The flaw manifests when attackers manipulate the file parameter to point to index.php, triggering an error condition that inadvertently reveals the physical directory structure of the web server hosting the vulnerable application.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the PHP-Nuke framework. When the file parameter is manipulated to reference index.php, the application fails to properly sanitize this input before processing it, leading to an unhandled error condition that outputs system path information to the HTTP response. This error message leakage represents a classic example of insufficient error handling practices that violate security best practices outlined in the Open Web Application Security Project standards. The vulnerability directly corresponds to CWE-209, which addresses the issue of error messages containing sensitive information, and demonstrates how poor error management can provide attackers with critical reconnaissance data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked physical path information can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers who obtain the web server's physical pathname can use this information to plan targeted attacks against specific directories, understand the server's file structure, and potentially identify other vulnerabilities within the system. This reconnaissance capability significantly reduces the attack surface and increases the likelihood of successful exploitation of additional vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which focuses on discovering system information through enumeration and reconnaissance activities. The exposure of the physical path creates opportunities for attackers to perform directory traversal attacks, file inclusion exploits, and other attacks that rely on knowledge of the server's actual file system layout.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the PHP-Nuke application to version 5.5 or later, where the issue has been resolved through improved input validation and error handling mechanisms. Organizations should implement proper error handling procedures that prevent sensitive system information from being exposed in error messages, following the principle of least privilege and secure coding practices. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications, as this type of error-based information disclosure remains a persistent threat in web application security. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper error handling and input validation in preventing information leakage that could compromise system security.