CVE-2004-1592 in ocPortal
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in ocPortal 1.0.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by modifying the req_path parameter to reference a URL on a remote web server that contains a malicious funcs.php script.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1592 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw that existed in ocPortal version 1.0.3 and earlier systems. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code into the target system through manipulation of the req_path parameter within the index.php script. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize user input before using it to construct file paths, creating an environment where remote attackers can redirect the application's execution flow to load and execute malicious code from external servers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental weakness in how ocPortal handled dynamic file inclusion operations. When an attacker modifies the req_path parameter to point to a remote URL containing a malicious funcs.php script, the application blindly includes this external resource without proper validation. This behavior directly violates secure coding principles and creates a pathway for arbitrary code execution that can be leveraged to gain complete control over the affected system. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple HTTP requests, making it particularly dangerous as it requires minimal technical expertise to implement.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1592 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Once successfully exploited, adversaries can execute commands on the target server, potentially leading to data theft, system infiltration, or further lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications and can be categorized under CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')." This weakness allows attackers to inject malicious PHP code that executes with the privileges of the web server process, potentially enabling privilege escalation and persistent access to the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation that prevents external URLs from being accepted in file inclusion contexts, while also ensuring that all user-supplied input undergoes proper sanitization before being processed. The recommended approach includes implementing a whitelist-based system that only allows specific, predefined file paths to be included, rather than accepting arbitrary user input. Additionally, upgrading to patched versions of ocPortal, disabling remote file inclusion features, and implementing proper web application firewalls can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation, as it represents a classic example of how insufficient sanitization can lead to complete system compromise, aligning with the broader security principle that all external input should be treated as potentially malicious and validated accordingly.