CVE-2002-1724 in PHPImageView
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting vulnerability (XSS) in phpimageview.php for PHPImageView 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary script as other users via the pic parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1724 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the PHPImageView 1.0 web application, specifically within the phpimageview.php script. This weakness falls under the category of CWE-79, which defines improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a classic example of client-side injection vulnerability. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input passed through the pic parameter, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code that executes in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft as it enables attackers to perform actions on behalf of legitimate users, potentially compromising user sessions and accessing sensitive information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the pic parameter in the phpimageview.php script, where user input is directly incorporated into dynamically generated web content without adequate sanitization or encoding measures. When a victim visits a maliciously crafted URL containing the XSS payload, the injected JavaScript code executes in their browser within the context of the vulnerable application's domain. This allows attackers to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, modify page content, or perform unauthorized actions that appear to originate from legitimate users. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the target system or any special privileges to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in web environments where user interaction is expected.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1724 extends beyond immediate script execution capabilities to encompass broader security implications for web application integrity and user trust. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to hijack user sessions, capture sensitive data, or manipulate the application's behavior in ways that may go undetected for extended periods. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 which focuses on credential access through web application vulnerabilities, and represents a significant risk to organizations relying on PHPImageView for image display functionality. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the critical importance of implementing proper output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious code injection. Organizations using vulnerable versions of PHPImageView face potential data breaches, user account compromise, and reputational damage as a result of this XSS vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1724 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and output encoding measures within the phpimageview.php script. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user-supplied input through strict validation and encoding before incorporating it into web page content, particularly when dealing with parameters that influence dynamic content generation. Organizations should implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution and prevent unauthorized code injection. Additionally, upgrading to patched versions of PHPImageView or implementing proper parameter validation mechanisms would address the root cause of the vulnerability. The remediation process should include thorough code review to ensure all parameters are properly validated and that output encoding is consistently applied across all dynamic content generation points. Security teams should also implement regular vulnerability scanning and input validation testing to prevent similar issues from emerging in other application components, as this vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for comprehensive web application security practices that align with industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.