CVE-2003-1406 in D-Forum
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in D-Forum 1.00 through 1.11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) my_header parameter to header.php3 or (2) my_footer parameter to footer.php3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2025
This vulnerability exists within the D-Forum software version 1.00 through 1.11 where improper input validation allows remote attackers to inject malicious URLs into specific parameters. The flaw manifests in two distinct attack vectors through the header.php3 and footer.php3 scripts where the my_header and my_footer parameters respectively accept user-supplied URLs without adequate sanitization. When these parameters are processed, the application directly includes the specified remote files, creating a classic remote file inclusion vulnerability that falls under CWE-88. This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that enables attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, effectively allowing full remote code execution capabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental principle of insecure input handling within PHP applications. When a user submits a request containing a malicious URL in either the my_header or my_footer parameters, the D-Forum application fails to validate or sanitize this input before incorporating it into the include statement. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under the ATT&CK technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, specifically targeting the remote code execution capability through file inclusion mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this weakness to upload and execute malicious PHP scripts, potentially gaining complete control over the affected server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely without authentication. An attacker could use this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malicious payloads within the compromised system. The vulnerability affects the entire application stack since it allows code execution at the web server level, potentially enabling privilege escalation and lateral movement within the network. Organizations using D-Forum versions 1.00 through 1.11 face significant risk of complete system compromise, data breaches, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by its remote nature, requiring no local access or credentials to exploit.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The most effective immediate solution involves patching the application to version 1.12 or later, where input validation has been implemented for the affected parameters. Organizations should also implement input sanitization measures by validating all user-supplied input against a strict whitelist of acceptable values, particularly for file inclusion parameters. Security configurations should include disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP applications and implementing proper parameter validation techniques. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other applications. The remediation process should also include implementing principle of least privilege access controls and monitoring for unusual file inclusion patterns in web server logs. Organizations should also consider implementing secure coding practices and regular security training for developers to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future applications.