CVE-2002-2297 in Thatware
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in artlist.php in Thatware 0.5.2 and 0.5.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the root_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2297 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Thatware content management system version 0.5.2 and 0.5.3. This vulnerability specifically affects the artlist.php script which fails to properly validate user input when processing the root_path parameter. The flaw stems from the application's insecure handling of external file references, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code through crafted input parameters. Such vulnerabilities fall under the category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more specifically align with CWE-94, which encompasses the execution of arbitrary code due to improper input validation. The vulnerability creates a direct pathway for attackers to execute malicious code on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the root_path parameter in the artlist.php script to include malicious PHP code from a remote server. This type of attack leverages the fundamental principle of insecure input handling where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into server-side script execution without proper sanitization or validation. The attack vector operates through HTTP requests that contain specially crafted URLs or file paths in the root_path parameter, enabling the web server to fetch and execute remote code. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for arbitrary code execution, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, describing the use of remote services to establish initial access. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices that enable attackers to bypass normal application security controls and inject malicious payloads into the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to gain full control over the affected web server. Successful exploitation can result in data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Attackers can use this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, steal sensitive information, modify website content, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate system but also potentially impacts other systems within the same network if the compromised server serves as a gateway. Organizations running affected versions of Thatware face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data loss, with the vulnerability being particularly concerning given the widespread use of PHP-based web applications in the early 2000s. The attack can be executed remotely without requiring any prior authentication, making it especially dangerous for systems with public-facing web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-2297 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves applying the vendor-supplied patches or upgrading to versions of Thatware that have addressed this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement input validation mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, particularly when dealing with file path parameters. Network-level defenses including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious requests targeting this vulnerability. Security configurations should disable remote file inclusion features in PHP applications and implement proper access controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scans to identify similar flaws in their web applications, following the principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security framework. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the applied fixes do not introduce new issues while maintaining the application's functionality. System administrators should also implement monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect suspicious activities related to file inclusion operations, providing visibility into potential exploitation attempts.