CVE-2002-1887 in phpMyNewsletter
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in customize.php for phpMyNewsletter 0.6.10 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the l parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1887 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the phpMyNewsletter 0.6.10 application that specifically targets the customize.php script. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The issue manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the 'l' parameter, which is used to include external files during the customization process. This weakness directly maps to CWE-98, which describes improper file inclusion vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote file inclusion vulnerabilities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the 'l' parameter in the customize.php script to reference malicious remote files or local paths that contain arbitrary PHP code. When the application processes this parameter without adequate validation, it includes and executes the attacker-controlled code within the context of the web server. This creates a persistent backdoor or allows for complete system compromise, depending on the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to execute code remotely without requiring authentication or prior access to the system, making it a high-severity threat in web application security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and data breaches. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the newsletter application, potentially leading to exposure of user data, email addresses, and other confidential information. The vulnerability also enables attackers to establish persistent access through backdoor shells, modify application behavior, or use the compromised system as a launchpad for further attacks within the network infrastructure. Organizations running affected versions of phpMyNewsletter face significant risk of unauthorized data access, system integrity compromise, and potential regulatory violations depending on the nature of the data being handled.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1887 require immediate action to address the root cause of the vulnerability through proper input validation and secure coding practices. The most effective immediate fix involves implementing strict parameter validation that prevents external file inclusion by either whitelisting acceptable values or using absolute paths with proper sanitization. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting this vulnerability. Additionally, upgrading to patched versions of phpMyNewsletter or migrating to more secure alternatives represents the most comprehensive long-term solution. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious file inclusion patterns and parameter manipulation attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that no similar vulnerabilities exist in other application components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and secure file handling practices that align with industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.