CVE-2003-1411 in Cedric Email Reader
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in emailreader_execute_on_each_page.inc.php in Cedric Email Reader 0.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the emailreader_ini parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-1411 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Cedric Email Reader version 0.4 software. This issue resides in the emailreader_execute_on_each_page.inc.php file where the emailreader_ini parameter is improperly validated, creating an avenue for attackers to inject and execute malicious PHP code remotely. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user input before using it in file inclusion operations, a classic pattern that has been documented across numerous web applications throughout the years.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-88 category known as "Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command" and more specifically aligns with CWE-94 which addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')." The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the emailreader_ini parameter to include arbitrary files from remote servers, effectively allowing them to execute malicious code on the target system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application level and can be exploited without requiring any special privileges or authentication, making it highly attractive to malicious actors seeking to compromise web servers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to gain unauthorized access to the affected system. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or the installation of backdoors that persist across system reboots. The remote nature of the attack means that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet, provided they know the target application's URL structure. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations that host web applications without proper input validation and sanitization measures in place, as it essentially provides a direct path to system control.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization techniques throughout the application. The most effective immediate fix involves modifying the emailreader_execute_on_each_page.inc.php file to validate and sanitize all user inputs, particularly the emailreader_ini parameter, before using it in any file inclusion operations. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and consider using PHP's safe_mode restrictions or disable_functions directives to limit the potential damage. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar patterns that could lead to remote file inclusion vulnerabilities, aligning with the principles outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique T1190 for "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter" where the exploitation involves PHP code execution. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping software updated and implementing proper web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious parameter values that might indicate exploitation attempts.