CVE-2003-1314 in Guestbook
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in admin/auth.php in EternalMart Guestbook (EMGB) 1.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the emgb_admin_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-1314 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting EternalMart Guestbook version 1.1. This issue resides within the admin/auth.php script where the emgb_admin_path parameter is improperly validated and processed, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input sanitization and proper parameter validation that has been a persistent concern in web application security for decades.
This vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-98, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting remote file inclusion vulnerabilities. The attack vector exploits the insecure handling of user-supplied input through the emgb_admin_path parameter, allowing remote attackers to manipulate the application's execution flow by supplying a malicious URL. When the application processes this parameter without proper validation, it effectively includes and executes the attacker-controlled remote file, thereby granting the malicious actor complete control over the affected server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process. This capability allows for complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify existing files, create new user accounts, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access or physical presence.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate input validation and parameter sanitization. The most effective approach involves implementing strict input validation that rejects any non-local file paths and ensures that all user-supplied parameters are properly sanitized before processing. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and disable remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The remediation process should include updating to patched versions of EternalMart Guestbook or implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting this specific vulnerability. Compliance with security standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines should be maintained to prevent similar issues in future development cycles.