CVE-2005-0214 in Simple PHP Blog
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Simple PHP Blog (SPHPBlog) 0.3.7c allows remote attackers to read or create arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the entry parameter.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2019
The directory traversal vulnerability identified in Simple PHP Blog version 0.3.7c represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system through improper input validation. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes the entry parameter without adequate sanitization, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths using directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. Such flaws are particularly dangerous because they can enable attackers to bypass access controls and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, system files, or configuration information that should remain protected.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file operations. When a user submits data containing directory traversal sequences in the entry parameter, the web application processes these sequences without proper filtering, allowing the attacker to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access files that should be restricted. This flaw operates at the core of input validation and access control mechanisms, where the application fails to implement proper sanitization checks on user-provided data before using it in file system operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited to read system files, including configuration files, database credentials, or other sensitive information that could be used for further attacks or privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it provides attackers with the capability to not only read arbitrary files but also to create or modify files on the server. This dual functionality significantly increases the potential damage that can be inflicted, as attackers could potentially upload malicious files, modify existing content, or even establish persistent backdoors within the application. The attack surface is particularly broad since Simple PHP Blog is a web-based application that likely runs with elevated privileges, meaning that successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachments), as attackers can use this flaw to discover sensitive files and potentially deliver malicious payloads through file creation capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application. The most effective approach involves implementing strict input filtering that removes or encodes directory traversal sequences before processing user input, ensuring that all file operations occur within predetermined safe directories. Additionally, the application should employ proper access control mechanisms that restrict file operations to specific directories and implement the principle of least privilege when executing file system operations. Security measures should include implementing proper path normalization techniques, using secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices, and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious traversal attempts, while ensuring that the application follows secure file handling practices as recommended by industry standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001. The vulnerability serves as a stark reminder of the importance of input validation and access control in web applications, particularly those handling user-supplied data that could be used to manipulate file system operations.