CVE-2002-1885 in PowerPhlogger
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in showhits.php3 for PowerPhlogger (PPhlogger) 2.0.9 through 2.2.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the rel_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1885 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the PowerPhlogger web application suite, specifically affecting versions 2.0.9 through 2.2.2. This vulnerability resides in the showhits.php3 script which processes user input through the rel_path parameter, creating an exploitable condition that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input passed through the rel_path parameter. When an attacker supplies a malicious value to this parameter, the application incorporates this input directly into file inclusion operations without adequate sanitization mechanisms. This allows attackers to reference remote files or local files containing malicious PHP code, effectively bypassing the intended application boundaries. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no authentication to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by anyone with access to the vulnerable web application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the web server, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or deployment of additional malware. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target network. This creates a significant risk for organizations hosting vulnerable PowerPhlogger installations, as the attack surface is expanded to include all users who can access the web application.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically targeting PHP-based applications. Mitigation strategies must focus on immediate patching of affected versions, implementing proper input validation, and employing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls, disabling unnecessary PHP functions like allow_url_include, and conducting regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in preventing remote code execution attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.