CVE-2005-0327 in pafiledb
Summary
by MITRE
pafiledb.php in Pafiledb 3.1 may allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a modified action parameter that is used in an include statement for login.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0327 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Pafiledb version 3.1, a file download management system commonly used in phpBB-based forums. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and dynamic code inclusion practices within the application's handling of user-supplied parameters. The flaw specifically affects the pafiledb.php script where an action parameter is processed without adequate sanitization, creating a path for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server.
The technical mechanism of exploitation involves manipulating the action parameter through a modified GET request that gets incorporated into an include statement within the login.php file. This practice violates fundamental security principles by allowing user-controllable data to directly influence the file inclusion process. When the application processes the modified action parameter, it effectively includes and executes the attacker-controlled file, bypassing normal authentication mechanisms and granting unauthorized access to the server's file system. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and specifically manifests as an insecure dynamic code execution pattern.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server. Once exploited, malicious actors can upload additional malware, steal sensitive data, modify existing files, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects not only the file management capabilities but also compromises the entire underlying web application infrastructure. Organizations running Pafiledb 3.1 are particularly at risk since the attack vector requires no prior authentication, making it an ideal target for automated exploitation campaigns. This weakness directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1190 for "Exploit Public-Facing Application" within the MITRE ATT&CK framework.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0327 require immediate implementation of parameter validation and input sanitization measures. Organizations should apply the official patch released by the Pafiledb developers or upgrade to a supported version that addresses this vulnerability. The recommended approach involves implementing strict input validation for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in include or require statements. Additionally, disabling the vulnerable action parameter functionality or implementing a whitelist-based approach for acceptable values can prevent exploitation attempts. Security configurations should enforce proper file permissions and restrict the web server's ability to execute arbitrary code from user-controllable inputs. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious parameter patterns associated with this vulnerability. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar insecure coding practices that could lead to analogous remote code execution vulnerabilities in other applications.