CVE-2004-0624 in Links
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php for Artmedic links 5.0 (artmedic_links5) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by modifying the id parameter to reference a URL on a remote web server that contains the code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/23/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-0624 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Artmedic links 5.0 web application. This vulnerability resides in the index.php file and demonstrates a classic insecure coding practice that has been documented in numerous security frameworks including CWE-88 and CWE-94. The flaw occurs when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input parameters, specifically the id parameter that is used to determine which content to display. This vulnerability directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the use of remote file inclusion attacks to execute arbitrary code on target systems. The vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate the application's behavior by injecting external URLs into the id parameter, thereby allowing them to execute malicious PHP code that exists on remote web servers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the application's improper handling of dynamic includes or requires that process the id parameter without adequate sanitization. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL with the id parameter pointing to a remote server hosting malicious PHP code, the vulnerable application will attempt to include and execute this remote code as if it were local content. This occurs because the application uses functions such as include or require without proper input validation, creating an environment where attacker-controlled content can be executed with the privileges of the web application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for arbitrary code execution, which can lead to complete system compromise and is classified as a high-severity issue under common vulnerability scoring systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for further exploitation within the target environment. Once an attacker successfully executes code through this vulnerability, they can establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially use the compromised system as a launching point for attacks against other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects web applications that process user input without proper validation, and the consequences can include data theft, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Organizations running affected versions of Artmedic links 5.0 are at significant risk of being exploited by threat actors who can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to their systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address the fundamental flaw in input handling and include implementing proper parameter validation, sanitization, and input filtering mechanisms. The most effective approach involves removing or disabling the vulnerable functionality that allows remote file inclusion, or implementing strict whitelisting of acceptable input values for the id parameter. Security measures should include configuring the web application to reject any input that contains remote URL references or implementing proper input validation that ensures all parameters are within expected ranges and formats. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. The remediation process requires immediate patching of the affected application or implementation of secure coding practices that prevent the inclusion of external content without proper validation, aligning with secure coding guidelines outlined in OWASP Top 10 and other industry standards.