CVE-2004-0073 in EasyDynamicPages
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in (1) config.php and (2) config_page.php for EasyDynamicPages 2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by modifying the edp_relative_path parameter to reference a URL on a remote web server that contains a malicious serverdata.php script.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/03/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-0073 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting EasyDynamicPages 2.0, specifically within the config.php and config_page.php scripts. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-88 category of Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94 which addresses Improper Control of Generation of Code, both of which are fundamental to understanding how attackers can manipulate application behavior through parameter injection. The flaw exists in the application's handling of user-supplied input where the edp_relative_path parameter is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without proper validation or sanitization, creating a pathway for remote code execution.
The technical mechanism of exploitation involves attackers manipulating the edp_relative_path parameter to point to a remote URL hosting a malicious serverdata.php script, effectively allowing the application to include and execute arbitrary PHP code from an external source. This type of vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution (RCE) vector and operates at the intersection of multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to bypass local file access restrictions and execute malicious code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the affected system and can serve as a foothold for further network reconnaissance and lateral movement. When exploited, this vulnerability can result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and the establishment of backdoors or persistent access points. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction beyond the initial parameter manipulation, and the vulnerability affects core application configuration files that are typically accessed during normal application operation. Organizations using EasyDynamicPages 2.0 are at significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches, as the vulnerability can be exploited through web-based interfaces without requiring physical access to the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the affected application to version 2.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the remote file inclusion issue. Additionally, implementing input validation and sanitization measures that prevent user-supplied parameters from being directly used in file inclusion operations is essential. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that web server processes run with minimal necessary permissions, and network segmentation should be implemented to limit potential lateral movement. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file inclusion patterns and outbound connections to suspicious domains. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to filter malicious requests and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly in applications that handle user-supplied data for dynamic content generation, as outlined in industry best practices for preventing remote code execution vulnerabilities.