CVE-2002-2217 in Web Server Creator
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Web Server Creator - Web Portal (WSC-WebPortal) 0.1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) l parameter to customize.php or the (2) pg parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2217 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in Web Server Creator - Web Portal version 0.1, exposing systems to arbitrary code execution attacks. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the web application's parameter handling mechanisms, specifically affecting two distinct entry points in the software's codebase. The flaw exists in the way the application processes user-supplied URLs through the l parameter in customize.php and the pg parameter in index.php, creating pathways for malicious actors to inject and execute unauthorized PHP code on the target server.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability manifests as a classic remote file inclusion (RFI) exploit that leverages the PHP include or require functions without proper sanitization of input parameters. When the web application accepts user input through the l or pg parameters and directly incorporates them into file inclusion statements, it creates an environment where attackers can manipulate the execution flow by supplying URLs pointing to malicious PHP scripts hosted on remote servers. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-98, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and more broadly relates to CWE-20, "Improper Input Validation." The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-2217 is severe and far-reaching, as it allows remote attackers to gain complete control over affected systems. Once exploited, attackers can execute malicious code, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and further lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system. Attackers can leverage this flaw to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a launch point for attacks against other systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects a web portal application that typically requires minimal authentication for initial access, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-2217 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The primary solution involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Organizations should disable the ability to pass URLs directly to include functions and instead implement whitelisting mechanisms that only allow predefined, trusted file paths. Additionally, the php.ini configuration should be adjusted to disable remote file inclusion features by setting allow_url_fopen and allow_url_include to off. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring for suspicious URL patterns in HTTP requests. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1190 "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059.007 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP," highlighting the importance of both application hardening and runtime monitoring to prevent exploitation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and ensure that the web portal remains protected against similar attack vectors.