CVE-2005-0376 in SGallery
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in SGallery 1.01 allows local and possibly remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by modifying the DOCUMENT_ROOT parameter to reference a URL on a remote web server that contains (1) config.php or (2) sql_layer.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0376 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the SGallery 1.01 web application that demonstrates a fundamental security weakness in PHP application design and input validation. This vulnerability specifically affects the application's handling of the DOCUMENT_ROOT parameter, which is typically used to determine the server's document root directory. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate this parameter to point to remote web servers, enabling them to include and execute arbitrary PHP code from external sources. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited by both local and remote attackers, expanding the potential attack surface significantly.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's insecure handling of user-supplied input within the include or require statements. When the DOCUMENT_ROOT parameter is not properly sanitized or validated, attackers can inject malicious URLs that point to remote PHP scripts hosted on attacker-controlled servers. The vulnerability specifically targets two critical files: config.php and sql_layer.php, which are essential components of the application's configuration and database layer. When these files are included via the modified DOCUMENT_ROOT parameter, the remote PHP code gets executed in the context of the web server process, providing attackers with elevated privileges and complete control over the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to perform comprehensive system compromise operations. Successful exploitation allows adversaries to execute arbitrary commands on the target server, potentially leading to full system takeover, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web browser manipulation, email attachments, or other methods that can influence the DOCUMENT_ROOT parameter. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. The remote nature of the attack means that attackers can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary fix involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in include or require statements. Applications should employ whitelisting approaches where only predetermined, trusted values are accepted for critical parameters. Additionally, disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP configuration through the disable_functions directive or by setting allow_url_fopen to off can prevent exploitation. Security patches should be applied immediately to update the SGallery application to versions that address this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network-level protections including firewall rules that restrict access to sensitive application components and monitor for unusual patterns in file inclusion requests. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege, ensuring that applications do not execute code from untrusted sources. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems.