CVE-2004-2602 in Help Center Live
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in UberTec Help Center Live (HCL) before 1.2.7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the HCL_path parameter to pipe.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2019
The CVE-2004-2602 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw discovered in the UberTec Help Center Live (HCL) software version 1.2.6 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the pipe.php script which processes user input through the HCL_path parameter, creating a dangerous attack vector that enables remote code execution. The flaw stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-98, which specifically addresses Improper Input Validation in the context of file inclusion attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the HCL_path parameter to the vulnerable pipe.php endpoint. The application does not adequately validate or sanitize this input before using it in a file inclusion context, allowing the attacker to inject arbitrary PHP code that gets executed on the target server. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic remote code execution scenario where attacker-controlled data flows directly into a dynamic file inclusion mechanism, bypassing normal security controls and access restrictions. This flaw operates at the intersection of multiple attack vectors including web application exploitation and code injection techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-2602 is severe and potentially devastating for affected organizations. Successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the compromised server, which can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within the network. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, install malware, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for attacking other network resources. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate web application but can potentially provide attackers with full server access and control over the underlying infrastructure hosting the HCL software.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-2602 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. Organizations should immediately upgrade to UberTec Help Center Live version 1.2.7 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms is crucial, including restricting file inclusion to predefined whitelists and implementing strict parameter validation. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications and T1059 for executing code through PHP injection, making it a critical target for both defensive and offensive security operations. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar flaws in other web applications and prevent similar attacks from occurring in the future.