CVE-2004-1820 in 4nalbum
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in displaycategory.php in 4nalbum 0.92 for PHP-Nuke 6.5 through 7.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by modifying the basepath parameter to reference a URL on a remote web server that contains fileFunctions.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1820 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting 4nalbum 0.92 versions compatible with PHP-Nuke 6.5 through 7.0. This issue resides within the displaycategory.php script where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input parameters, specifically the basepath parameter that controls file inclusion operations. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker manipulates the basepath parameter to point to a remote web server hosting malicious PHP code, typically through the fileFunctions.php component. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command, and more specifically to CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code due to inadequate input validation. The flaw enables attackers to inject and execute malicious PHP code on the target server, effectively bypassing normal access controls and potentially compromising the entire web application environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server's functionality. When exploited, the vulnerability allows unauthorized individuals to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify existing files, or even establish persistent access through the compromised server. The vulnerability affects a specific version of 4nalbum that was widely used in PHP-Nuke environments during the early 2000s, making it particularly dangerous as many legacy systems may still be running vulnerable versions. The attack vector requires minimal user interaction beyond accessing the vulnerable application, making it highly exploitable and suitable for automated attacks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote file inclusion to execute malicious code, and demonstrates how web application flaws can be weaponized for persistent access and data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1820 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary fix involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Developers should employ whitelisting approaches for path parameters, ensuring that only pre-approved values are accepted. Additionally, the application should disable remote file inclusion capabilities entirely by configuring PHP settings to restrict such operations. Organizations should implement proper web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms to detect and block malicious parameter manipulation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security audits and vulnerability assessments, as it demonstrates how legacy applications can contain critical flaws that remain unpatched for extended periods. Security best practices dictate that all applications should be updated to supported versions, and that proper code review processes should be implemented to prevent similar issues in future development cycles. This vulnerability serves as a historical example of why secure coding practices and regular security maintenance are essential for protecting web applications from exploitation.