CVE-2003-1256 in E-theni
Summary
by MITRE
aff_liste_langue.php in E-theni allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by modifying the rep_include parameter to reference a URL on a remote web server that contains para_langue.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1256 resides within the aff_liste_langue.php script of the E-theni web application, representing a classic remote code execution flaw that emerged during an era when web application security was less mature. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and dynamic code inclusion mechanisms that allow attackers to manipulate the rep_include parameter, which is subsequently used to include external PHP files. The flaw essentially enables an attacker to inject malicious PHP code by referencing a remote URL containing a para_langue.php file, thereby bypassing normal application security controls and executing arbitrary code on the target server with the privileges of the web application.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-documented pattern that aligns with CWE-94, which describes the weakness of allowing arbitrary code execution through dynamic code generation or inclusion. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that point to attacker-controlled web servers hosting the para_langue.php file, which then gets included and executed by the vulnerable E-theni application. This mechanism operates under the principle of insecure dynamic code evaluation, where user-controllable input directly influences the inclusion process without proper sanitization or validation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute any PHP code they choose, potentially leading to complete server compromise, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-1256 extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities to encompass broader security implications that align with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. The vulnerability enables attackers to establish persistent access to compromised systems, deploy backdoors, or perform reconnaissance activities without detection. Organizations running vulnerable E-theni applications face significant risks including unauthorized data access, system compromise, and potential use as a stepping stone for attacking other systems within the network perimeter. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly attractive for automated attacks and large-scale exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-1256 must address both the immediate vulnerability and broader architectural security issues. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization for all user-controllable parameters, particularly those used in dynamic inclusion scenarios. The recommended approach involves using allowlists of trusted values rather than denylists, implementing proper parameter validation, and avoiding dynamic code inclusion mechanisms altogether when possible. Security controls should include web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious inclusion patterns, input sanitization at multiple layers, and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in legacy applications. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the risks associated with insecure direct object references and improper error handling that can lead to code execution vulnerabilities.