CVE-2003-1412 in System Administration
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php for GONiCUS System Administrator (GOsa) 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the plugin parameter to (1) 3fax/1blocklists/index.php; (2) 6departamentadmin/index.php, (3) 5terminals/index.php, (4) 4mailinglists/index.php, (5) 3departaments/index.php, and (6) 2groupd/index.php in 2administration/; or (7) the base parameter to include/help.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2025
The CVE-2003-1412 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the GONiCUS System Administrator (GOsa) version 1.0 web application. This vulnerability exists within the index.php file and specifically targets the plugin parameter handling mechanism, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects multiple core administrative modules within the GOsa framework, demonstrating a widespread flaw in the application's input validation and file inclusion processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper sanitization of user-supplied input parameters within the PHP application's include mechanisms. When the application processes the plugin parameter without adequate validation or sanitization, it becomes susceptible to malicious input that can manipulate the include function to load external files. This flaw directly maps to CWE-98, which describes improper input validation in include statements, and represents a classic example of a remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited through parameter manipulation. The vulnerability affects seven distinct file paths within the GOsa application structure, indicating a systemic issue in how the application handles dynamic file inclusion operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability allows for the execution of malicious PHP scripts that could be used to establish backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify system configurations, or perform further reconnaissance activities. Given that GOsa is a system administration tool, successful exploitation could provide attackers with elevated privileges and administrative access to the underlying infrastructure. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for PHP and ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for Web Shell, as it enables the deployment of malicious code through web-based interfaces.
The affected modules within the GOsa application include critical administrative functions such as 3fax, 6departamentadmin, 5terminals, 4mailinglists, 3departaments, and 2groupd within the 2administration directory, plus the include/help.php file. This broad scope indicates that the vulnerability is not isolated to a single component but rather represents a fundamental flaw in the application's architecture. The presence of multiple attack vectors increases the likelihood of successful exploitation and provides attackers with several potential pathways to achieve their objectives. The vulnerability demonstrates poor secure coding practices and highlights the importance of implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations using GOsa version 1.0 should immediately implement mitigations including disabling remote file inclusion features, implementing strict input validation, and applying available security patches. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of following secure coding guidelines such as those outlined in OWASP Top 10 and the CWE guidelines for preventing insecure direct object references and improper input validation.