CVE-2002-1135 in phpWebSite
Summary
by MITRE
modsecurity.php 1.10 and earlier, in phpWebSite 0.8.2 and earlier, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP source code via an inc_prefix parameter that points to the malicious code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1135 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting modsecurity.php version 1.10 and earlier, which was integrated into phpWebSite version 0.8.2 and earlier. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's parameter handling system, specifically concerning the inc_prefix parameter. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system by manipulating this parameter to reference malicious code locations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the improper handling of user-supplied input within the modsecurity module's inclusion mechanism. When the inc_prefix parameter is processed, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before using it in file inclusion operations. This creates an arbitrary file inclusion vulnerability that can be exploited to load and execute malicious PHP code from remote locations or local system paths. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and falls under the broader category of code injection flaws that have been consistently documented in security frameworks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides remote attackers with complete control over the affected system. An attacker can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands, gain persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially establish a backdoor for continued unauthorized access. The vulnerability affects the entire phpWebSite ecosystem, making all installations using affected versions of modsecurity.php and phpWebSite susceptible to exploitation. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it highly attractive to automated exploitation tools and malicious actors.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of both modsecurity.php and phpWebSite, implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, and configuring web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious inclusion patterns. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and ensure proper access controls are in place. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all external inputs and implementing proper security measures to prevent arbitrary code execution in web applications. This flaw highlights the necessity of following secure coding practices and adheres to ATT&CK framework techniques related to code injection and remote command execution, emphasizing the need for robust input validation and proper parameter handling in web applications.