CVE-2004-2053 in Stadtportal
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in EasyIns Stadtportal 4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the site parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/03/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-2053 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting the EasyIns Stadtportal 4 content management system. This vulnerability resides within the index.php script where the site parameter is processed without proper input validation or sanitization. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server by manipulating the site parameter to include remote files. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, which are commonly exploited in web application attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations. When the site parameter is passed to the index.php script, the application directly incorporates this input into file inclusion directives without adequate sanitization or verification of the source. This creates an attack vector where remote attackers can specify external URLs or file paths that will be executed on the server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations using the EasyIns Stadtportal 4 platform. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload malicious files, establish backdoors, or execute commands on the compromised server. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data breaches, system infiltration, and service disruption. According to the CWE database, this vulnerability maps to CWE-98 which describes improper file inclusion, and it aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target network.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve multiple layers of defense. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-supplied patches or updates that address the input validation flaw in the index.php script. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures can prevent malicious input from being processed. Web application firewalls should be configured to monitor and block suspicious file inclusion patterns targeting the affected parameter. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running web applications with minimal required permissions and by implementing proper file access controls. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect and respond to exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability class.