CVE-2002-1913 in myPHPNuke
Summary
by MITRE
phptonuke.php in myPHPNuke 1.8.8 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a full pathname in the filnavn variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1913 resides within the phptonuke.php component of myPHPNuke version 1.8.8, representing a classic file inclusion flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the target system. This vulnerability specifically targets the filnavn variable parameter which processes user-supplied input without adequate sanitization or validation, creating a path traversal condition that can be exploited to read sensitive files from the server filesystem. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-22 Path Traversal vulnerabilities where insufficient input validation allows attackers to manipulate file access paths and retrieve unauthorized data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious requests that include full pathnames in the filnavn parameter, effectively bypassing normal access controls and potentially exposing critical system information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper handling of user input within the phptonuke.php script, where the filnavn variable is directly incorporated into file access operations without proper validation or sanitization. This creates a scenario where an attacker can supply a full pathname to any file on the server filesystem, allowing for arbitrary file reading capabilities. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by remote attackers from outside the network perimeter. The attack vector specifically targets the web application's file handling mechanisms, where user-controllable input is used to construct file paths without proper security checks or access control validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the ability to access potentially sensitive files such as configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other system-related data that could be used for further exploitation. The vulnerability can be exploited to read system files including but not limited to /etc/passwd, configuration files containing database connection strings, and application source code that might reveal additional attack vectors. This information disclosure can facilitate more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation, credential theft, and potentially full system compromise. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates silently, allowing attackers to gather intelligence without leaving obvious traces in system logs.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1913 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file access operations. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of myPHPNuke or apply the appropriate security patches provided by the vendor. The implementation of a whitelist approach for file access operations, where only predefined and safe file paths are allowed, would effectively prevent this type of exploitation. Additionally, the application should employ proper access control mechanisms and sanitize all user input before processing, ensuring that path traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ are rejected. Network-level mitigations including firewall rules and web application firewalls can provide additional protection by blocking suspicious requests that attempt to access system files. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213 Data from Information Repositories, where adversaries extract sensitive information from system repositories, and represents a critical weakness in the application's input validation and access control mechanisms that requires immediate remediation to prevent potential compromise of the affected systems.