CVE-2005-1870 in Popper
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in childwindow.inc.php in Popper 1.41-r2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the form parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1870 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Popper content management system version 1.41-r2 and earlier. This vulnerability exists within the childwindow.inc.php script which processes user input through the form parameter without proper validation or sanitization. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate user-supplied input before including external files, creating an attack vector that can be exploited from remote locations without authentication requirements.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of file inclusion operations. The flaw occurs when the application accepts user input through the form parameter and directly incorporates it into file inclusion operations without adequate sanitization. This creates a classic remote code execution scenario where attackers can manipulate the file inclusion mechanism to load malicious PHP scripts from remote servers or local directories. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects a core component of the Popper system, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations using affected Popper versions, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication and can be exploited through web-based interfaces. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, modify existing content, steal database credentials, or gain unauthorized access to the underlying server infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would fall under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries target exposed web applications to gain initial access and potentially escalate privileges. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include potential data breaches, system compromise, and service disruption.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-1870 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Popper versions to the latest available releases that address the file inclusion vulnerability. Organizations should implement input validation mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied parameters before processing, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Network-based defenses should include web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious file inclusion patterns in HTTP requests. Additionally, system administrators should restrict file inclusion capabilities to only trusted sources and implement proper access controls to prevent unauthorized file operations. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing remote code execution attacks, particularly in web-based applications that process external user input.