CVE-2004-1554 in Alex Guestbook
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in livre_include.php in @lex Guestbook allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by modifying the chem_absolu parameter to reference a URL on a remote web server that contains the code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1554 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting the @lex Guestbook application's livre_include.php script. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution vectors that have been historically exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to web applications. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input parameters, allowing malicious actors to inject external URLs into the application's execution flow. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, effectively granting them full control over the affected system's operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the chem_absolu parameter within the livre_include.php file. When an attacker crafts a malicious request that modifies this parameter to point to a remote web server hosting malicious PHP code, the vulnerable application will attempt to include and execute the remote file as if it were a local script. This process bypasses normal security controls and allows the attacker to inject their own code into the web application's execution environment. The vulnerability stems from the application's lack of proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms, which should have verified that the parameter value originates from trusted local sources rather than external web servers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server and its resources. Once successfully exploited, attackers can upload additional malicious files, create backdoors for persistent access, steal sensitive data, modify existing content, or even use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks against other systems within the network. This type of vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can lead to complete system compromise, data breaches, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system and can exploit it from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly attractive to cybercriminals and nation-state actors alike.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1554 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures that prevent external URLs from being processed as legitimate include paths. Security practitioners should disable the ability to pass external URLs to include functions, implement strict parameter validation that only accepts predefined safe values, and apply proper access controls to prevent unauthorized code execution. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious inclusion patterns, regularly update and patch vulnerable applications, and conduct thorough security testing including dynamic and static analysis. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-98 and CWE-88 categories related to improper input validation and insecure direct object references, and it maps to ATT&CK techniques involving remote code execution and privilege escalation through web application vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include comprehensive code review to identify similar patterns throughout the application, implementation of secure coding practices, and establishment of proper input sanitization protocols to prevent future occurrences of this class of vulnerability.