CVE-2005-0375 in SGallery
Summary
by MITRE
imageview.php in SGallery 1.01 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via an HTTP request with (1) idalbum and (2) idimage unset, which reveals the installation path in an error message for the sql_fetch_row function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0375 affects SGallery 1.01, a web-based image gallery management system that was widely used in web applications during the early 2000s. This vulnerability resides within the imageview.php script, which serves as the primary interface for displaying images within the gallery system. The flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that occurs when the application fails to properly validate user input parameters before processing them. The vulnerability specifically manifests when an attacker crafts an HTTP request that deliberately omits the idalbum and idimage parameters that are typically required for proper image retrieval operations. This design flaw creates a condition where the application's error handling mechanism exposes sensitive system information to unauthorized parties.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully constructed HTTP request that bypasses normal parameter validation procedures. When the imageview.php script processes a request with both idalbum and idimage parameters unset, it attempts to execute a sql_fetch_row function without proper input sanitization. The application's error handling mechanism then generates an error message that inadvertently reveals the complete installation path of the SGallery system on the web server. This exposure represents a significant security risk as it provides attackers with crucial information about the server's file structure and deployment environment. The vulnerability operates under CWE-200, which specifically addresses improper error handling that leads to information disclosure, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212 for Exploitation for Credential Access through information gathering.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the foundation for more sophisticated attacks. The revealed installation path can be used in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to craft targeted attacks against the specific web application environment. Attackers can leverage this information to plan directory traversal attacks, identify potential file inclusion vulnerabilities, or map out the server's directory structure for further exploitation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication to exploit and can be easily discovered through automated scanning tools. The exposure of the installation path creates opportunities for attackers to identify other potential weaknesses in the system's configuration or implementation, making it a valuable reconnaissance tool in the attacker's arsenal.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0375 should focus on implementing proper input validation and error handling practices. The primary fix involves modifying the imageview.php script to validate all required parameters before processing and to implement generic error handling that does not reveal system-specific information. Organizations should ensure that all user inputs are properly sanitized and that error messages are generic and do not contain sensitive system information. The implementation of proper access controls and input validation routines can prevent this vulnerability from being exploited. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar information disclosure vulnerabilities in web applications. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper error handling, as outlined in security standards that emphasize the need for applications to fail gracefully without exposing sensitive system information to unauthorized users. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor coding oversights can create significant security risks that can be exploited by malicious actors.