CVE-2002-2183 in phpShare
Summary
by MITRE
phpShare.php in phpShare before 0.6 beta 3 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary PHP scripts from remote servers.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2183 affects phpShare versions prior to 0.6 beta 3 and represents a critical remote code execution flaw stemming from improper input validation in the phpShare.php script. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and remote file inclusion attacks, which are commonly classified as CWE-829. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the application's file inclusion mechanism by supplying malicious URLs that point to remote PHP scripts hosted on external servers. When the vulnerable application processes these inputs without proper sanitization, it executes the remote code as if it were part of the local application, creating a severe security breach.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of input validation in the file inclusion process within phpShare.php. Attackers can craft malicious requests that include parameters referencing external PHP files, typically through URL parameters or configuration settings. The application fails to validate or sanitize these inputs, allowing arbitrary PHP code execution on the target server. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries leverage web application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code remotely. The flaw essentially bypasses the intended security boundaries of the application by treating remote URLs as legitimate file sources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with complete remote code execution capabilities on affected systems. Once exploited, attackers can establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a launchpad for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the affected systems, potentially leading to full system compromise. Organizations running vulnerable versions of phpShare face risks of data breaches, unauthorized access, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The attack surface extends beyond individual server compromise to include potential lateral movement within network infrastructures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching to phpShare version 0.6 beta 3 or later, which addresses the insecure file inclusion mechanism through proper input validation and sanitization. Administrators should implement proper input validation at all entry points and avoid using user-supplied data in file inclusion operations. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running web applications with minimal required permissions and implementing proper network segmentation. Additionally, organizations should deploy web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file inclusion patterns. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications, as this vulnerability type remains prevalent in many web applications and represents a common attack vector in the cybersecurity landscape.