CVE-2002-1725 in PHPImageView
Summary
by MITRE
phpimageview.php in PHPImageView 1.0 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via the pw=show option, which invokes the phpinfo function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1725 affects PHPImageView version 1.0 and represents a critical information disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive system configuration data to remote attackers. This vulnerability exists within the phpimageview.php script where the pw=show parameter triggers the execution of the phpinfo function, which is designed to display detailed configuration information about the PHP environment. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and insecure parameter handling that allows unauthorized users to access potentially sensitive system details that should remain protected.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the lack of proper authentication checks and parameter sanitization within the PHPImageView application. When an attacker accesses the script with the specific parameter pw=show, the application directly invokes phpinfo() without verifying whether the request originates from an authorized user or contains malicious intent. This function reveals extensive information including php.ini settings, loaded extensions, environment variables, server configuration details, and potentially sensitive system paths that could aid in further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-200, which describes improper output filtering that leads to information exposure, and represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference where user input controls the execution flow of sensitive functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed phpinfo output can provide attackers with critical system intelligence for subsequent attacks. The leaked configuration data may include database connection strings, file paths, server software versions, and other sensitive parameters that could be leveraged to craft more sophisticated attacks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212, which involves exploitation of information discovery techniques through the use of system information discovery methods. Attackers could use the exposed information to identify potential attack vectors, understand the server environment, and plan targeted exploitation strategies against other system components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper authentication mechanisms and input validation controls. The application should require proper authentication before allowing access to configuration display functions, and all user-supplied parameters should be validated and sanitized before processing. The phpinfo() function should never be invoked in production environments without proper access controls, as it serves no legitimate purpose for end users and creates unnecessary security risks. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious parameter patterns, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar insecure function calls within web applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and avoiding the inclusion of diagnostic functions in production code without proper authorization controls.