CVE-2002-2134 in PEEL
Summary
by MITRE
haut.php in PEEL 1.0b allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by modifying the dirroot parameter to reference a URL on a remote web server that contains the code in a lang.php file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-2134 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the PEEL 1.0b content management system. This vulnerability specifically affects the haut.php script which serves as a critical component in the system's file inclusion mechanism. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the dirroot parameter, which is used to determine the root directory for file operations within the application. When an attacker manipulates this parameter to point to a remote web server, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input, creating an opportunity for malicious code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic remote file inclusion attack pattern that maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command or call. The flaw allows attackers to inject arbitrary PHP code by referencing a remote URL containing malicious code in a lang.php file. This occurs because the application performs a direct file inclusion operation without proper validation of the remote URL, effectively bypassing local file access controls and executing code from external sources. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system with the privileges of the web server process.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe security risk for systems running PEEL 1.0b, as it allows remote attackers to gain complete control over the affected web server. The attack requires no authentication and can be executed through simple HTTP requests, making it highly exploitable in automated attack scenarios. Once successfully exploited, attackers can establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1105 for remote file execution, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the threat.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Organizations should implement strict validation of the dirroot parameter to ensure it only accepts local file paths and rejects any remote URL references. This aligns with defensive programming practices and follows the principle of least privilege by limiting file inclusion to local resources only. Additionally, the system should implement proper URL validation and sanitization routines that prevent the inclusion of external resources in critical file operations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping software components updated and patched, as this issue was resolved in later versions of the PEEL software. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and network monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while maintaining regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications.