CVE-2003-1410 in Cedric Email Reader
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in email.php (aka email.php3) in Cedric Email Reader 0.2 and 0.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the cer_skin parameter.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1410 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Cedric Email Reader version 0.2 and 0.3 applications. This security weakness exists within the email.php script, which is also known as email.php3, and specifically affects the cer_skin parameter handling mechanism. The vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that fail to properly validate user input before incorporating it into dynamic file operations.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs when the application processes the cer_skin parameter without adequate sanitization or validation, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary file paths that can be executed as PHP code. This type of vulnerability is classified as CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command or query, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, which covers improper execution of code. Attackers can exploit this by manipulating the cer_skin parameter to include malicious PHP code or references to remote files, effectively bypassing normal application security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote code execution capabilities that can lead to complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially gaining access to sensitive data, modifying application behavior, or even establishing persistent backdoors. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote access tools or exploitation of web application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code. The consequences extend beyond immediate code execution to include potential data breaches, service disruption, and unauthorized access to system resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing strict input validation and sanitization measures for all user-supplied parameters. The application should employ a whitelist approach for skin parameter values, rejecting any input that does not match predefined acceptable options. Additionally, disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configuration and implementing proper parameter validation using functions like filter_var with appropriate filters can significantly reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regularly updating their applications to address known vulnerabilities. The remediation process must include thorough code review to ensure that dynamic file inclusion operations properly validate all input parameters against a strict set of allowed values, preventing the exploitation of similar weaknesses in other application components.