CVE-2003-1253 in Bookmark4U
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in Bookmark4U 1.8.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code viaa URL in the prefix parameter to (1) dbase.php, (2) config.php, or (3) common.load.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-1253 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Bookmark4U version 1.8.3, which falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution vulnerabilities. This issue stems from the application's failure to properly validate user input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code through carefully crafted URLs. The vulnerability specifically impacts three key files within the application's architecture: dbase.php, config.php, and common.load.php, all of which accept the prefix parameter that serves as the attack vector for this exploit.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's use of dynamic file inclusion functions such as include or require without adequate sanitization of the prefix parameter. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL as the value for the prefix parameter, the application processes this input directly without proper validation or encoding, allowing the remote file to be included and executed within the context of the web server. This creates a persistent threat vector where attackers can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution flaw with a CVSS score indicating high severity, and it directly relates to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code or commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to the web server environment, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and further lateral movement within the network. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects core application files that are likely to be accessed during normal operation, making exploitation relatively straightforward. This flaw also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote services for initial access, and T1059, which covers the execution of commands through various interfaces including web shells. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and proper security controls in web application development practices, where user-supplied data should never be trusted for file inclusion operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected Bookmark4U application to version 1.8.4 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that web server processes run with minimal required permissions, and network segmentation should be implemented to limit potential lateral movement. Additionally, web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious file inclusion patterns and URL parameters that could indicate exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should include regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in other applications within the environment. The remediation process must also include comprehensive security training for developers to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future application development cycles, emphasizing the importance of input validation and secure coding practices.