CVE-2002-1435 in Achievo
Summary
by MITRE
class.atkdateattribute.js.php in Achievo 0.7.0 through 0.9.1, except 0.8.2, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code when the allow_url_fopen setting is enabled via a URL in the config_atkroot parameter that points to the code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1435 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in the Achievo web application framework version 0.7.0 through 0.9.1, excluding version 0.8.2. This vulnerability resides within the class.atkdateattribute.js.php file and exploits a dangerous input handling mechanism that allows attackers to inject malicious PHP code through the config_atkroot parameter. The flaw specifically leverages the PHP configuration setting allow_url_fopen, which when enabled permits PHP to open remote URLs as if they were local files, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic file inclusion pattern where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into a file path without proper sanitization or validation. When an attacker manipulates the config_atkroot parameter to contain a URL pointing to malicious PHP code hosted on a remote server, the application's file handling mechanism executes the remote code as if it were a local file. This represents a fundamental security failure in input validation and file inclusion practices, allowing attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary commands on the target server with the privileges of the web application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify application behavior, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects a significant range of Achievo versions, making it particularly dangerous as many organizations may be running unpatched systems. The requirement for allow_url_fopen to be enabled creates a specific attack vector that security administrators must monitor, as this setting is often enabled in development environments but should be disabled in production systems.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes the weakness of "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and is closely related to the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python." The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices and improper file handling that allows attackers to inject malicious code through parameter manipulation. Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense including disabling allow_url_fopen in production environments, implementing strict input validation for all user-supplied parameters, and conducting regular security assessments of web applications. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as using whitelisting for file operations and avoiding dynamic file inclusion without proper sanitization. The affected versions of Achievo require immediate patching or mitigation strategies, as the vulnerability provides attackers with a straightforward path to system compromise without requiring authentication or specialized tools beyond basic web exploitation techniques.