CVE-2003-0753 in newsPHP
Summary
by MITRE
nphpd.php in newsPHP 216 and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a full pathname to the target file in the nphp_config[LangFile] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0753 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the newsPHP content management system version 216 and earlier. This vulnerability exists within the nphpd.php script which processes user input through the nphp_config[LangFile] parameter, creating an opportunity for remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the target system. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter or escape user-supplied file paths, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the application's file inclusion behavior.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category of CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack vector enables remote exploitation without requiring authentication or prior access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that process user input directly in file operations. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it can potentially expose sensitive system files, configuration data, and other critical resources that may contain credentials, database connection details, or application logic.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to read system files such as configuration files, database credentials, user accounts, and application source code that may contain additional vulnerabilities. The ability to traverse directories and access arbitrary files creates a foundation for further exploitation, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges, gain persistent access, or conduct more sophisticated attacks. This vulnerability directly maps to several techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) tactics, as attackers can use the information gained to craft more targeted attacks against the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security flaw and implement broader defensive measures. The primary solution involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file operations. Developers should employ whitelisting approaches that only allow predefined, safe file paths rather than accepting arbitrary user input. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation ensures that even if an attacker successfully exploits the vulnerability, their access remains limited. System administrators should also apply the latest security patches provided by newsPHP developers, implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests, and conduct regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The remediation process should include comprehensive logging and monitoring to detect exploitation attempts and maintain audit trails for forensic analysis.