CVE-2004-1934 in Gemitel
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in affich.php in Gemitel 3.50 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the base parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1934 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Gemitel 3.50 content management system, specifically affecting the affich.php script. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution, with the flaw manifesting through improper input validation in the base parameter handling mechanism. The affected application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to validate or sanitize the base parameter before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. When a user provides a value for the base parameter, the application directly uses this input to construct file paths or include external files without adequate security checks. This primitive input handling creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate the inclusion process and load malicious PHP scripts from remote servers. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools and malicious actors seeking to compromise web applications.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using Gemitel 3.50, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potential system compromise, data theft, and service disruption. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify existing files, access sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability also aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1071 for application layer protocols, demonstrating how attackers can exploit such flaws to establish persistent access and move laterally within compromised environments.
The security implications of this vulnerability are further exacerbated by the fact that it operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple HTTP requests without requiring complex exploitation techniques. This makes it particularly attractive to automated attack frameworks and script kiddies who can quickly identify and exploit vulnerable systems. Organizations running affected versions of Gemitel should prioritize immediate remediation, as the vulnerability has existed for over a decade and likely has numerous known exploitation methods. The flaw also represents a failure in secure coding practices and input validation, highlighting the importance of implementing proper parameter sanitization and using secure file inclusion methods such as whitelisting or strict path validation to prevent unauthorized file access.
This vulnerability is classified as CWE-98, which specifically addresses "Improper Direct Object Reference," and demonstrates how inadequate input validation can lead to remote code execution through file inclusion mechanisms. The remediation strategy should focus on implementing proper input validation, removing the ability to pass arbitrary file paths to inclusion functions, and ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are properly sanitized before being used in file operations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious file inclusion patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of regular security assessments to identify and remediate such fundamental flaws in web applications.