CVE-2002-1430 in Sympoll
Summary
by MITRE
Unknown vulnerability in Sympoll 1.2 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files when register_globals is enabled, possibly by modifying certain PHP variables through URL parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1430 represents a critical security flaw within Sympoll 1.2, a web-based polling application that was prevalent during the early 2000s. This vulnerability specifically exploits the insecure handling of PHP configuration settings, particularly when the register_globals directive is enabled on the web server. The flaw manifests through the manipulation of URL parameters that can influence PHP variable behavior, creating a pathway for unauthorized file access. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize or validate input parameters that are directly used to construct file paths or variable assignments within the PHP execution environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates URL parameters to inject malicious values that can override or influence PHP variables. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from GET, POST, and cookie data, which removes the need for explicit variable declaration. This behavior, combined with inadequate input validation in Sympoll 1.2, allows attackers to modify critical variables such as include_path, file names, or configuration parameters through URL parameters. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the inherent PHP behavior rather than requiring complex injection techniques, making it accessible to attackers with limited technical expertise. The flaw can be categorized under CWE-22 as it involves improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and it aligns with CWE-94 as it represents an arbitrary file inclusion vulnerability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to potentially access sensitive system files, configuration data, or even execute arbitrary code if additional vulnerabilities exist. Remote attackers can utilize this flaw to read system files such as password files, database configuration files, or other sensitive data that may be accessible through the web server's file system. The vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor mechanism for attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially escalate their privileges within the compromised system. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of the affected system, as unauthorized parties can gain access to data that should remain protected. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication and can be executed entirely through web browser interactions, making it highly exploitable in environments where register_globals remains enabled.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate remediation of the underlying PHP configuration and application code. The primary recommendation involves disabling the register_globals directive in the PHP configuration file or php.ini settings, which eliminates the core condition that enables this attack vector. Additionally, developers should implement proper input validation and sanitization techniques, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are thoroughly checked before being used in file operations or variable assignments. The application code should be updated to explicitly declare variables rather than relying on automatic global variable creation, and all file inclusion operations should use absolute paths with proper validation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious parameter manipulation attempts, and they should regularly audit their PHP configurations to ensure that dangerous settings like register_globals remain disabled. This vulnerability underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and maintaining up-to-date security configurations, as it demonstrates how seemingly benign PHP features can become significant security risks when misconfigured. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through exploitation of insecure configurations, and it represents a classic example of how legacy web applications can harbor dangerous vulnerabilities that persist long after their initial deployment.