CVE-2003-1459 in ttCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in ttCMS 2.2 and ttForum allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the (1) template parameter in News.php or (2) installdir parameter in install.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-1459 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting ttCMS 2.2 and ttForum web applications. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the application's parameter handling, specifically in two key files that process user-supplied data. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server by manipulating specific parameters in the web application's request flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves two distinct attack vectors that leverage the same underlying flaw in input sanitization. The first vector targets the template parameter within News.php, while the second targets the installdir parameter in install.php. Both vulnerabilities fall under the category of remote file inclusion attacks, which are classified as CWE-88 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. These attacks exploit the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user-provided input before using it in file inclusion operations, creating opportunities for attackers to reference malicious remote files or local system paths.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching within the context of web application security. Attackers can leverage these remote file inclusion vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This includes unauthorized access to sensitive data, privilege escalation, and the ability to establish persistent backdoors or command and control channels. The vulnerability affects both content management and installation components of the affected applications, providing attackers with multiple potential entry points for exploitation. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving remote code execution and privilege escalation, with potential for lateral movement within compromised networks.
The exploitation of these vulnerabilities typically involves crafting malicious HTTP requests that include specially formatted parameters containing URLs or file paths pointing to attacker-controlled resources. The affected applications fail to validate whether the provided input represents legitimate local paths or external URLs, allowing attackers to inject remote PHP code that gets executed by the web server. This creates a persistent threat that can be exploited repeatedly without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. Organizations using these vulnerable versions of ttCMS and ttForum face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations due to the lack of proper input validation controls. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in the principle of least privilege and input validation that is critical for secure web application development practices.