CVE-2003-1131 in Knowledgebuilder
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in KnowledgeBuilder, referred to as KnowledgeBase, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by modifying the page parameter to reference a URL on a remote web server that contains the code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1131 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the KnowledgeBuilder application, which is also known as KnowledgeBase. This vulnerability exists within the index.php file of the software, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to execute malicious code remotely. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data from being used in file inclusion operations, creating an avenue for exploitation that directly impacts the application's security posture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of the page parameter through HTTP requests, allowing remote attackers to inject URLs pointing to malicious code hosted on external web servers. When the application processes this parameter without proper validation, it attempts to include and execute the remote file, effectively executing arbitrary PHP code on the target system. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-88, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more broadly under CWE-94, which covers improper control of generation of code. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insecure direct object reference combined with dynamic code execution, where user input directly influences code execution paths within the application.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-1131 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete remote code execution capabilities on vulnerable systems. Successful exploitation can lead to full system compromise, data theft, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload backdoors, establish persistent access, or deploy additional malware payloads. The vulnerability also aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access through web application attacks and privilege escalation via code execution. The widespread nature of PHP applications makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can affect numerous systems running vulnerable versions of KnowledgeBuilder.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Organizations should employ allow-list validation techniques that only permit predefined, safe values rather than relying on deny-list approaches that can be bypassed. Additionally, disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations and implementing proper parameter validation within the application code can effectively prevent exploitation. Security measures should also include regular vulnerability assessments, input sanitization libraries, and web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. The remediation process should also involve comprehensive code reviews to identify similar patterns that might exist elsewhere in the application codebase, ensuring that such insecure practices are eliminated throughout the software architecture.