CVE-2002-2298 in Thatware
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in config.php in Thatware 0.3 through 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 • 02/01/2025
This vulnerability exists in Thatware 0.3 through 0.5.3 where the config.php file fails to properly validate or sanitize the root_path parameter, creating a remote file inclusion exploit that allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code. The flaw stems from the application's improper handling of user-supplied input that is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without adequate security controls. This represents a classic implementation of CWE-98 - Include File Injection, where untrusted data flows into include or require statements, enabling attackers to load malicious files from remote servers or local directories. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003 - Server-side Include, as it leverages server-side file inclusion mechanisms to execute malicious code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the root_path parameter to point to a remote PHP script hosted on an attacker-controlled server. When the application processes this parameter through an include or require statement, it executes the malicious code contained within the remote file. This type of attack typically requires the attacker to craft a malicious URL that includes the root_path parameter with a protocol such as http:// or ftp:// followed by the attacker's server address and malicious PHP payload. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for full code execution on the target server, potentially enabling attackers to establish persistent backdoors, steal sensitive data, or compromise the entire server infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to sensitive server resources, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, or lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects all versions from 0.3 through 0.5.3, indicating a prolonged exposure window where organizations using these versions remained vulnerable to exploitation. This vulnerability also demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate secure coding principles, specifically failing to implement proper sanitization and validation of user-supplied parameters before using them in dynamic file operations. Organizations running these vulnerable versions face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data loss.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected versions to address the core vulnerability in the config.php file's parameter handling. The recommended approach involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Organizations should employ parameterized file operations that prevent dynamic path construction with user input, utilizing whitelisting approaches or fixed path configurations instead of dynamic parameter injection. Additional protective measures include disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP configurations through the allow_url_include directive, implementing proper access controls for configuration files, and conducting regular security audits of application code to identify similar vulnerable patterns. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding guidelines and conducting thorough security testing during development phases to prevent such critical flaws from reaching production environments.