CVE-2004-2485 in PHP Live!
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in PHP Live! before 2.8.2, due to a "major security problem," allows remote attackers to include arbitrary files and directories via unspecified attack vectors.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2485 represents a critical security flaw in PHP Live! versions prior to 2.8.2, classified as a remote code execution vulnerability through arbitrary file inclusion. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-88 category, specifically related to improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, which allows attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's file handling routines, creating an attack surface that enables remote threat actors to execute malicious code on the target system. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that multiple entry points within the application's architecture could be exploited, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it may be leveraged through various attack methods.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of file inclusion parameters that are not properly validated or sanitized before being processed by the PHP interpreter. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that gets passed to file inclusion functions, potentially allowing them to load and execute arbitrary files from remote locations or local directories. This flaw typically manifests when the application uses user-supplied input directly in file inclusion operations without proper validation, creating a path traversal or remote file inclusion scenario. The vulnerability's classification as a major security problem indicates that it provides attackers with significant privileges, potentially allowing full system compromise or unauthorized access to sensitive data within the application's environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-2485 extends far beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to gain complete control over affected systems. Remote code execution vulnerabilities of this nature can lead to persistent backdoor access, data exfiltration, system enumeration, and further lateral movement within network environments. Organizations running vulnerable versions of PHP Live! face potential exposure to credential theft, service disruption, and unauthorized modification of application content. The vulnerability's presence in widely used web applications increases the risk of large-scale exploitation, particularly when organizations fail to apply timely security patches or maintain proper security monitoring protocols. This type of vulnerability directly aligns with tactics described in the attack framework, specifically leveraging techniques related to remote code execution and privilege escalation through web application exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected systems to the recommended version 2.8.2 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to prevent arbitrary file inclusion attacks. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent user-supplied data from being processed in file inclusion contexts. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting file inclusion capabilities to only necessary functions and ensuring that file paths are properly validated before processing. Additionally, network segmentation and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to monitor for suspicious file inclusion patterns and potential exploitation attempts. Security professionals should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious requests targeting known vulnerable parameters and establish regular security audits to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the organization's web applications.