CVE-2004-1693 in Mambo
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in Function.php in Mambo 4.5 (1.0.9) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by modifying the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter to reference a URL on a remote web server that contains the code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1693 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Mambo content management system version 4.5, specifically affecting the Function.php component. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to adequately restrict user-supplied data from being directly incorporated into file path references. The flaw exists in the way the system processes the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter, which is intended to define the absolute path for the Mambo installation but becomes exploitable when manipulated by malicious actors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the mosConfig_absolute_path parameter, which allows remote attackers to inject external URLs that point to malicious PHP code hosted on remote web servers. When the vulnerable application processes this parameter without proper validation, it effectively includes and executes arbitrary PHP code from the remote location, providing attackers with complete control over the affected system. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-88, which describes weaknesses related to improper handling of externally provided input during command or file inclusion operations. The vulnerability directly enables code execution and can be classified as a remote code execution vulnerability under the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for command and script injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the web server process. This can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and potential use as a foothold for further network infiltration. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, deploy additional malware, or use the compromised system as a launching point for attacks against other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects the entire Mambo 4.5 installation and can result in significant business disruption, regulatory compliance violations, and potential financial losses due to data breaches and system downtime.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1693 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Mambo 4.5 installation with the vendor-provided security updates. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent user-supplied parameters from being used in file inclusion operations. The use of allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives in php.ini should be disabled to prevent remote file inclusion attacks. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls, input filtering mechanisms, and regular security assessments can provide layered protection against similar vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper parameter validation and input sanitization in preventing remote code execution attacks, aligning with industry best practices for secure coding and application security hardening.