CVE-2003-0294 in php-proxima
Summary
by MITRE
autohtml.php in php-proxima 6.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via the name parameter in a modload operation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0294 resides within the autohtml.php component of php-proxima version 6.0 and earlier systems, representing a critical directory traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system. This issue specifically manifests through the name parameter within a modload operation, where insufficient input validation allows malicious actors to manipulate file paths and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. The vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object reference as defined by CWE-22, which occurs when an application provides access to objects based on user-supplied input without proper authorization checks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper sanitization mechanisms in the modload function, allowing attackers to craft malicious requests that can traverse directory structures and access files outside the intended scope. When the name parameter is processed, the system fails to validate or sanitize the input, enabling path traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that can navigate up the directory tree and access files in parent directories. This flaw represents a classic example of a path traversal attack that can be leveraged to read configuration files, source code, database credentials, and other sensitive information stored on the server. The vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachment) as attackers can use this weakness to gather intelligence and potentially escalate privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with the ability to extract sensitive information from the target system without requiring authentication or authorization. Remote attackers can utilize this weakness to access system configuration files, user credentials, application source code, and potentially database connection strings that could lead to further compromise of the affected environment. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate confidentiality of data but also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access or launch subsequent attacks against other systems within the network. Organizations running vulnerable versions of php-proxima face significant risk of data breaches, intellectual property theft, and potential system compromise that could result in regulatory penalties and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-0294 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the latest available updates from the php-proxima vendor, as this vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases through proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should implement input validation mechanisms that reject or sanitize any input containing directory traversal sequences, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are properly validated before processing. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable applications to untrusted networks, while application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can be configured to monitor for suspicious path traversal patterns. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications, and organizations should follow secure coding practices that emphasize the importance of input validation and proper error handling to prevent similar issues from occurring in future development cycles. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of validating all user inputs and implementing proper access controls to prevent unauthorized data access.