CVE-2002-2123 in Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in publish_xp_docs.php for Gallery 1.3.2 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary PHP code by specifying a URL to an init.php file in the GALLERY_BASEDIR parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-2123 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Gallery 1.3.2 software, specifically within the publish_xp_docs.php component. This vulnerability operates under the broader category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution risks that have plagued web applications for decades. The flaw exists in the manner in which the application processes user-supplied input through the GALLERY_BASEDIR parameter, creating an attack vector that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code from remote servers. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to execute code on the target server with the privileges of the web application, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize user input before using it in file inclusion operations. When the publish_xp_docs.php script processes the GALLERY_BASEDIR parameter, it directly incorporates this value into a file path without adequate sanitization measures. This creates an environment where an attacker can supply a malicious URL pointing to a remote PHP file containing harmful code, effectively bypassing local file access controls and executing arbitrary commands on the target system. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which specifically addresses insecure direct object references, and represents a variant of the more general CWE-88, concerning command injection through improper input validation. The attack exploits the fundamental weakness in input handling where untrusted data flows directly into system operations without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, creating multiple attack vectors that can lead to complete system compromise. An attacker leveraging this vulnerability can gain persistent access to the web server, potentially escalating privileges to the database layer or system administrator level depending on the server configuration. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target network. This vulnerability also enables attackers to establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify website content, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks against internal network resources. The attack pattern follows typical tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, making it a significant threat to web application security.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-provided patch or upgrading to a newer version of Gallery that does not contain this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures can prevent similar issues in other applications. Security measures should include disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations, implementing proper parameter validation, and using allowlists for acceptable file paths. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and privilege separation to limit the damage that can occur if such vulnerabilities are exploited. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and input validation techniques as outlined in OWASP Top 10 security guidelines, particularly focusing on preventing injection flaws that can lead to remote code execution.