CVE-2004-1796 in HotNews
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in HotNews 0.7.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the (1) config[header] parameter to hotnews-engine.inc.php3 or (2) config[incdir] parameter to hnmain.inc.php3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1796 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting HotNews versions 0.7.2 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the PHP-based content management system's handling of user-supplied input parameters, specifically targeting two distinct entry points within the application's core functionality. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict the scope of file inclusion operations, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through two primary attack vectors that exploit the application's reliance on dynamic file inclusion based on user-provided parameters. The first vector targets the config[header] parameter within the hotnews-engine.inc.php3 file, while the second exploits the config[incdir] parameter in the hnmain.inc.php3 file. Both parameters are processed without proper validation, allowing attackers to supply malicious file paths that can reference remote resources or local files containing malicious code. This flaw aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an input command, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server's functionality. Successful exploitation enables remote code execution, allowing threat actors to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify content, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it without requiring local system access or credentials, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible web environments. This type of attack falls under the ATT&CK framework's T1190 technique for Exploit Public-Facing Application, which specifically addresses vulnerabilities in web applications that are accessible from the internet.
The security implications of this vulnerability are severe given that it affects a widely deployed content management system that likely serves numerous websites. The attack requires minimal sophistication to execute, as it leverages standard web application exploitation techniques. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the critical importance of implementing proper security controls around file inclusion operations. Organizations running affected versions of HotNews face significant risk of compromise, with potential impacts ranging from data theft to complete system takeover. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions indicates a fundamental design flaw in the application's architecture that required immediate remediation through code updates and input validation improvements.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability center on immediate patching of affected systems, implementing proper input validation mechanisms, and applying security hardening measures. Organizations should upgrade to patched versions of HotNews that address the file inclusion vulnerabilities, while also implementing web application firewalls and input sanitization controls to prevent similar issues. The remediation process should include comprehensive code review to identify and address other potential file inclusion vulnerabilities throughout the application codebase. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file inclusion patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications.