CVE-2002-2349 in phpBBmod
Summary
by MITRE
phpinfo.php in phpBBmod 1.3.3 executes the phpinfo function, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive environment information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2349 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the phpBBmod 1.3.3 web application module. This security weakness stems from the improper implementation of the phpinfo function within the phpinfo.php file, which exposes sensitive server environment details to unauthorized remote attackers. The vulnerability exists in the context of web application security where proper input validation and output sanitization mechanisms are absent or insufficiently implemented.
The technical flaw manifests when the phpinfo.php script is accessed by remote attackers, triggering the execution of the phpinfo function which systematically reveals comprehensive server configuration details including php settings, loaded extensions, environment variables, and potentially sensitive system information. This function execution bypasses normal access controls and security boundaries, allowing attackers to gather intelligence about the underlying server infrastructure. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure, and represents a classic example of insecure output handling where sensitive data is inadvertently exposed through web application interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information gathering as it provides attackers with critical reconnaissance data that can be leveraged for subsequent exploitation attempts. The exposed phpinfo output may reveal database connection strings, server paths, PHP configuration settings, and other sensitive parameters that could facilitate more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation, directory traversal, or injection attacks. Attackers can use this information to tailor their exploitation strategies and potentially gain unauthorized access to the underlying system. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1083, which focuses on discovering system information, and T1213, which involves data from information repositories.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-2349 should prioritize immediate removal or access restriction of the phpinfo.php file from production environments. Organizations should implement proper access controls and authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to diagnostic scripts. Security configurations should include disabling or restricting the phpinfo function through php.ini settings, and implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block access to suspicious endpoints. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components, with comprehensive patch management processes ensuring that all vulnerable applications are updated to secure versions. The remediation approach must also include network segmentation and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive system information disclosure points.