CVE-2004-1403 in GNUboard
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in GNUBoard 3.39 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by modifying the doc parameter to reference a URL on a remote web server that contains the code.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1403 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting GNUBoard versions 3.39 and earlier. This security weakness resides within the index.php file of the web application, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code remotely. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied parameters, specifically the doc parameter which is susceptible to manipulation. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs and passing them through the vulnerable doc parameter, effectively enabling them to include remote files containing malicious code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically relates to CWE-94, which covers the execution of arbitrary code through improper input validation. This flaw operates under the principle of insecure direct object references where user input directly influences file inclusion operations without adequate validation. The vulnerability enables attackers to leverage the web application's file inclusion mechanisms to load external content, potentially executing malicious code with the privileges of the web server process. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through simple HTTP requests without requiring authentication or specialized tools, making it highly accessible to attackers with basic web exploitation knowledge.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1403 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Once exploited, attackers can establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within network environments. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of web applications by allowing unauthorized code execution, which can result in data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations. Organizations running affected GNUBoard installations face significant risk of unauthorized access, data exfiltration, and system compromise. The vulnerability also impacts the availability of web services as attackers can potentially cause denial of service through resource exhaustion or system instability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1403 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to GNUBoard versions that have patched this vulnerability, as the official releases contain proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Administrators should implement proper parameter validation and sanitization for all user-supplied inputs, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Input filtering techniques including allow-list validation, proper URL parsing, and strict parameter validation should be implemented to prevent malicious URLs from being processed. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by detecting and blocking suspicious requests containing malicious file inclusion patterns. Security configurations should disable remote file inclusion capabilities entirely when possible, and all web applications should be regularly updated and patched to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 for exploit public-facing application and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security monitoring and incident response procedures to detect and respond to exploitation attempts.