CVE-2002-2299 in Thatware
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in thatfile.php in Thatware 0.3 through 0.5.2 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-2002-2299 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Thatware content management system version 0.3 through 0.5.2. This vulnerability specifically affects the thatfile.php component which fails to properly validate input parameters, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The flaw exists within the root_path parameter handling mechanism, which does not sufficiently sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-98 Improper Control of Generation of Code, which is a well-documented weakness in software systems where user input directly influences code execution paths. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to remotely execute arbitrary code without requiring authentication or prior access to the system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious request containing a specially formatted root_path parameter that points to a remote file containing malicious PHP code. When the vulnerable application processes this parameter, it includes and executes the remote file, effectively granting the attacker complete control over the affected server. This represents a classic example of a remote code execution vulnerability that can be leveraged for various malicious activities including data theft, server compromise, and further network infiltration. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates at the application level and can be exploited from any remote location without requiring physical access to the system. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application, which describes techniques used to exploit vulnerabilities in applications accessible from the internet.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. Attackers can use this vulnerability to upload backdoors, steal sensitive information, modify existing files, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability affects organizations running vulnerable versions of Thatware, potentially exposing them to significant security risks including unauthorized data access, service disruption, and compliance violations. Organizations with web applications that dynamically include files based on user input are particularly at risk, as this vulnerability demonstrates how insufficient input validation can lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input sanitization, as the flaw could have been easily prevented through proper parameter validation and secure file inclusion mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of the Thatware application to versions that address the remote file inclusion flaw, implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, and configuring web servers to disable remote file inclusion functionality. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping software up-to-date and following secure coding practices. According to industry best practices and security standards, this vulnerability should be addressed immediately through patch management procedures, and organizations should conduct thorough security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in their application code. Additionally, implementing proper web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection against similar exploitation techniques. The vulnerability also emphasizes the need for regular security audits and code reviews to identify and remediate potential security flaws before they can be exploited by malicious actors.