CVE-2003-1487 in Phorum
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple "command injection" vulnerabilities in Phorum 3.4 through 3.4.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands and modify the Phorum configuration files via the (1) UserAdmin program, (2) Edit user profile, or (3) stats program.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-1487 represents a critical command injection flaw affecting Phorum versions 3.4 through 3.4.2, specifically targeting three distinct program modules within the application. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 category of Command Injection, which is classified as a high-severity issue in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system by manipulating input parameters within the UserAdmin program, Edit user profile functionality, or the stats program components.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the Phorum application's codebase. When users interact with the vulnerable modules, the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into system commands or configuration file modifications. This inadequate sanitization creates an environment where malicious input can be interpreted and executed as legitimate system commands, allowing attackers to bypass normal access controls and gain unauthorized system privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects the application's handling of user input in three critical areas where configuration modifications or administrative functions are processed.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-1487 extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to modify Phorum configuration files, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain persistent access, escalate privileges, and manipulate the application's core functionality. The vulnerability's reach across multiple program modules increases the attack surface and reduces the effectiveness of potential defensive measures. Organizations running affected Phorum versions face significant risks including data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification under the MITRE ATT&CK framework places it in the command execution category, specifically targeting privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected Phorum versions to the latest available releases that address the command injection flaws. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent user-supplied data from being executed as system commands. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of vulnerable components. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The remediation process must include thorough testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions while maintaining the application's core functionality. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability class.