CVE-2004-1943 in phpBB
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in album_portal.php in phpBB modified by Przemo 1.8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the phpbb_root_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/22/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1943 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw that affects a modified version of phpBB forums. This issue specifically targets the album_portal.php component within the phpBB modification created by Przemo version 1.8, where the application fails to properly validate user input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of the phpbb_root_path parameter, which allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary file paths that are then processed by the PHP interpreter. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating an avenue for attackers to execute malicious code on the target system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the phpbb_root_path parameter to include malicious PHP code from external remote locations. The flaw exists because the application does not sanitize or validate the input provided through this parameter before using it in file inclusion functions such as include or require. This allows an attacker to specify a URL pointing to a remote server hosting malicious PHP code, which gets executed on the target server with the privileges of the web application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain full control over the affected system. This flaw aligns with CWE-98 and CWE-20 categories, representing improper input validation and insecure direct object references respectively.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload backdoors, steal database credentials, modify forum content, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks against other systems. The vulnerability affects web servers running the modified phpBB version, making it particularly concerning for organizations that rely on forum platforms for community engagement or business operations. The attack vector is straightforward and requires minimal technical expertise, making it attractive to a wide range of threat actors from script kiddies to sophisticated attackers. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1190, which involves the use of remote services to execute code, and T1078, representing legitimate credentials usage for persistence.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1943 focus on input validation and secure coding practices. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided patches or upgrade to secure versions of the modified phpBB software. The recommended approach involves implementing strict input validation for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Web application firewalls can provide additional protection by monitoring and blocking suspicious parameter values. Disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP configuration and implementing proper access controls around forum components can significantly reduce the attack surface. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. Additionally, maintaining up-to-date security patches and following secure coding guidelines such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten can help prevent similar issues from occurring in future deployments. System administrators should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual file inclusion patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.