CVE-2004-0128 in phpGedView
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in the GEDCOM configuration script for phpGedView 2.65.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by modifying the PGV_BASE_DIRECTORY parameter to reference a URL on a remote web server that contains a malicious theme.php script.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0128 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in phpGedView version 2.65.1 and earlier, specifically affecting the GEDCOM configuration script. This issue falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate user-supplied input parameters, particularly the PGV_BASE_DIRECTORY parameter that controls the base directory path for phpGedView operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input sanitization in the phpGedView configuration handling mechanism. When an attacker modifies the PGV_BASE_DIRECTORY parameter to point to a remote URL containing a malicious theme.php script, the application inadvertently includes and executes this remote code. This occurs because the application uses user-provided input directly in file inclusion operations without proper validation or sanitization, creating a classic remote file inclusion vulnerability. The flaw operates at the application layer where the configuration script fails to distinguish between legitimate local paths and potentially malicious remote URLs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching within the context of web applications and genealogy management systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially gaining full control over the web application and underlying system. This includes the ability to read sensitive data, modify database contents, install backdoors, or even escalate privileges to system-level access. The vulnerability affects not only the phpGedView application itself but also poses risks to the entire hosting environment, as compromised applications often serve as entry points for broader network infiltration. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication and can be executed remotely through web browser interactions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0128 should focus on immediate patching of the phpGedView application to version 2.66 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. System administrators should implement input validation mechanisms that prevent remote URL references in critical configuration parameters and disable the use of remote file inclusion features where possible. The implementation of proper parameter sanitization and the use of allowlists for acceptable input values can prevent malicious URL injection. Additionally, network-level protections such as firewall rules that restrict outbound connections to known good domains and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security audits to detect similar vulnerabilities in other applications.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an input command, and CWE-94, which covers improper control of generation of code. The attack pattern corresponds to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and highlights how seemingly simple configuration parameters can become attack vectors when proper security controls are not implemented. The remediation efforts should include comprehensive security training for developers and implementation of secure coding practices to prevent similar issues in future application development cycles.