CVE-2003-0754 in newsPHP
Summary
by MITRE
nphpd.php in newsPHP 216 and earlier allows remote attackers to bypass authentication via an HTTP request with a modified nphp_users array, which is used for authentication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-0754 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within the newsPHP content management system version 216 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and authentication mechanism implementation, specifically targeting the nphpd.php component that handles user authentication processes. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate HTTP requests and modify the nphp_users array, effectively circumventing the intended security controls designed to protect access to administrative functions and sensitive system resources. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it enables unauthorized users to gain administrative privileges without proper credentials, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized data manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of HTTP request parameters where the nphp_users array is processed during authentication. When newsPHP processes user authentication requests, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the nphp_users array parameter, allowing attackers to inject malicious values that override legitimate authentication checks. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of weak input validation and improper access control mechanisms. The flaw demonstrates a classic case of insufficient parameter validation where user-supplied data directly influences authentication logic without proper sanitization or verification processes. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-285: Improper Authorization, as it allows unauthorized access to protected resources through manipulated authentication parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over affected newsPHP installations. Once authenticated, malicious actors can modify or delete content, alter user permissions, install backdoors, and potentially use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The remote nature of this exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or network, making it particularly dangerous for web applications hosted in public environments. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004: Valid Accounts, Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts, as it enables unauthorized access through manipulated authentication mechanisms rather than traditional credential theft methods.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement comprehensive mitigation strategies including updating to the latest version of newsPHP that addresses this authentication bypass issue. Network administrators should also implement additional security controls such as web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious HTTP requests containing malformed nphp_users parameters. Access control measures should be strengthened through proper input validation, parameter sanitization, and authentication logging to detect unauthorized access attempts. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in legacy systems, and all authentication mechanisms should be reviewed to ensure proper validation of user inputs. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper authorization controls to prevent similar issues in future software development cycles.