CVE-2003-1403 in Botbr
Summary
by MITRE
foo.php3 in DotBr 0.1 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request, which calls the phpinfo function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1403 resides within the DotBr 0.1 web application, specifically in the foo.php3 script that exposes sensitive system information through improper access controls. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to potentially critical system details. The vulnerability occurs when an attacker directly requests the foo.php3 endpoint, which subsequently executes the phpinfo function without proper authentication or authorization checks. This function reveals extensive configuration details about the PHP environment, including installed modules, system paths, and potentially sensitive server information that could aid in subsequent attack vectors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the DotBr application. When the foo.php3 script processes a direct request, it fails to implement any form of user authentication or privilege verification before executing the phpinfo function. This design flaw creates an entry point where any remote attacker can access the script and retrieve comprehensive system information. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-200, which categorizes weaknesses related to information exposure, and specifically aligns with the broader category of insufficient access control. The phpinfo function output typically includes sensitive data such as PHP configuration settings, loaded extensions, server environment variables, and potentially database connection details that could be exploited by threat actors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information gathering, as it provides attackers with valuable reconnaissance data that can be used to plan more sophisticated attacks against the target system. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains visibility into the underlying server configuration, PHP version, and potentially vulnerable components that may have known security issues. This information disclosure can lead to further exploitation attempts including directory traversal attacks, SQL injection vulnerabilities, or other attacks that leverage the specific PHP configuration details. The vulnerability also represents a significant risk to compliance requirements, as it may expose system information that should remain confidential within the organization's infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-1403 should focus on implementing proper access controls and input validation measures to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive scripts. Organizations should immediately remove or secure the foo.php3 endpoint by implementing authentication mechanisms or by completely removing the script from production environments. The fix should include proper access control checks that verify user privileges before executing functions that reveal system information. Additionally, administrators should conduct comprehensive code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities across other scripts within the application. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing the principle of least privilege. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the information gathering phase, where adversaries collect system information to inform their attack strategies. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar flaws in legacy applications, as this vulnerability type remains relevant in modern web applications where improper access controls continue to be a common issue.