CVE-2004-2061 in Risearch
Summary
by MITRE
RiSearch 1.0.01 and RiSearch Pro 3.2.06 allows remote attackers to use the show.pl script as an open proxy, or read arbitrary local files, by setting the url parameter to a (1) http://, (2) ftp://, or (3) file:// URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2061 affects RiSearch versions 1.0.01 and RiSearch Pro 3.2.06, presenting a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to exploit the show.pl script for unauthorized access and data exfiltration. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the script's handling of the url parameter, which processes various protocol schemes without adequate sanitization or access control measures. The flaw creates a dangerous pathway for attackers to manipulate the application's functionality and potentially compromise the underlying system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to specify three distinct protocol schemes through the url parameter, each presenting unique exploitation vectors. When attackers set the url parameter to http://, ftp://, or file:// URLs, the show.pl script processes these inputs without proper validation, enabling the application to act as an open proxy for the first two schemes. This proxy functionality allows attackers to route their requests through the vulnerable server, masking their true origin while potentially accessing internal network resources. The file:// scheme presents an even more severe risk as it enables direct local file system access, allowing attackers to read arbitrary files from the server's local storage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform extensive reconnaissance and data exfiltration. Through the open proxy functionality, adversaries can use the compromised server to access external resources, potentially bypassing network security controls and firewalls. The local file reading capability allows attackers to access sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential data stored on the server. This vulnerability represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference combined with improper input validation, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where sensitive data is often stored on web servers.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and CWE-922, which addresses insecure storage of sensitive information. From an attack perspective, this flaw maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1071.004 for application layer protocol and T1566 for phishing, as attackers can leverage the proxy functionality to deliver malicious payloads or conduct reconnaissance activities. The vulnerability also relates to T1083 for file and directory discovery, as it enables attackers to enumerate and access local files that would normally be restricted. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement patch management procedures to upgrade to versions that properly validate input parameters and restrict access to the show.pl script.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation, restricting access to the vulnerable script, and deploying network monitoring solutions to detect suspicious proxy activity. Security teams should establish proper access controls that prevent the show.pl script from processing external protocol requests, particularly file:// schemes that enable local file access. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to prevent unauthorized access to internal resources through the compromised proxy functionality. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications, as this type of input validation flaw remains prevalent in legacy systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and the potential consequences of inadequate security controls in web applications, particularly those handling user-supplied parameters that can influence system behavior.