CVE-2003-1240 in CuteNews
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in CuteNews 0.88 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the cutepath parameter in (1) shownews.php, (2) search.php, or (3) comments.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1240 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in CuteNews version 0.88, a widely used content management system for web applications. This vulnerability resides in the core functionality of the application's file handling mechanisms, specifically within three key script files that process user input. The flaw stems from inadequate validation of the cutepath parameter, which is processed through shownews.php, search.php, and comments.php scripts, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of insecure input handling and dynamic file inclusion, making it particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to leverage legitimate application functionality for nefarious purposes.
This security weakness directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of command and directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate the cutepath parameter to reference external malicious URLs, bypassing normal access controls and executing unauthorized code within the web server's context. The exploitation mechanism relies on PHP's ability to include and execute remote files when the include or require functions are used with user-controllable input. The affected scripts demonstrate poor input sanitization practices, where the application fails to validate or escape user-provided data before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. This vulnerability fundamentally violates secure coding principles and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to gain full control over the affected web server. Successful exploitation allows adversaries to upload malicious files, access sensitive data, modify content, and potentially use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks against the internal network. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the web application, creating a persistent threat that can be exploited repeatedly until patched. Organizations using CuteNews 0.88 face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no privileged access or authentication, making it accessible to anyone who can interact with the vulnerable web application, and it aligns with the attack pattern described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for execution through command and scripting interpreters.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-1240 require immediate implementation of multiple defensive measures to protect against exploitation. The primary solution involves patching the affected CuteNews version to properly validate and sanitize the cutepath parameter, ensuring that only legitimate local file paths are accepted. Organizations should implement input validation at multiple levels, including server-side filtering to reject external URLs or malicious file paths, and disable the ability to include remote files through configuration settings. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block exploitation attempts, while regular security audits should verify that no other similar vulnerabilities exist within the application codebase. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege for web server accounts and maintaining up-to-date security patches for all web applications forms a comprehensive defense strategy against this and similar remote file inclusion vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also include monitoring for signs of exploitation attempts and establishing incident response procedures to address potential compromise of affected systems.