CVE-2002-1412 in Photo Album Package
Summary
by MITRE
Gallery photo album package before 1.3.1 allows local and possibly remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a modified GALLERY_BASEDIR variable that points to a directory or URL that contains a Trojan horse init.php script.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1412 represents a critical security flaw in the Gallery photo album package version 1.3.0 and earlier, which could enable both local and remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and insecure parameter handling within the application's directory traversal mechanisms. The flaw specifically involves the GALLERY_BASEDIR variable which is used to define the base directory path for the Gallery application's operations. When this variable is manipulated by an attacker, it can be directed to point to a malicious directory or URL containing a Trojan horse init.php script, thereby allowing unauthorized code execution with the privileges of the web server process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a combination of insecure variable handling and path manipulation techniques that fall under CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory. Attackers can modify the GALLERY_BASEDIR environment variable or configuration parameter to redirect the application's execution flow to malicious code locations. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited both locally by users with access to the system and remotely through web-based interfaces, making it a significant concern for web applications running on publicly accessible servers. The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary commands on the target system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise potential. Since the attacker can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, they can potentially gain access to sensitive data, modify or delete files, establish backdoors, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks against internal networks. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the system, as it allows unauthorized access to potentially sensitive user data stored within the photo album system. Additionally, the attack can lead to denial of service conditions if the malicious code disrupts normal application operations or consumes excessive system resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1412 should focus on immediate patching of the Gallery application to version 1.3.1 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. System administrators should also implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent modification of critical configuration variables. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running the web server process with minimal required permissions and ensuring that the Gallery application operates within restricted directory boundaries. Network-level protections such as firewall rules and intrusion detection systems can help monitor for suspicious parameter modifications. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and regularly auditing system configurations can help detect and prevent unauthorized modifications to critical application parameters. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's techniques for command and control operations and privilege escalation.