CVE-2005-0380 in ZeroBoard
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in (1) print_category.php, (2) login.php, (3) setup.php, (4) ask_password.php, or (5) error.php in ZeroBoard 4.1pl5 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by modifying the dir parameter to reference a URL on a remote web server that contains the code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0380 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting ZeroBoard 4.1pl5 and earlier versions. This issue manifests across multiple script files including print_category php login php setup php ask_password php and error php, creating widespread potential for exploitation. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation where the dir parameter fails to properly sanitize user-supplied URLs, allowing attackers to inject malicious code through remote web servers. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-88 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more broadly aligns with CWE-94 which covers improper execution of code due to unsafe use of dynamic code. The attack vector operates through HTTP protocol manipulation where an attacker crafts a malicious URL and injects it into the dir parameter, effectively bypassing local file access restrictions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote code execution without authentication requirements, providing attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially leading to full system takeover, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor establishment. The affected scripts suggest this vulnerability impacts core application functionality including user authentication, system setup, and error handling mechanisms, making the exploitation particularly dangerous. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious payloads, establish command and control channels, and perform lateral movement within compromised networks. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under T1190 for exploit public-facing application and T1059 for command and script injection.
The technical flaw exists due to improper parameter validation and lack of secure input handling within the ZeroBoard application. The application fails to implement proper sanitization of the dir parameter, allowing direct inclusion of remote URLs without proper verification or filtering. This creates a path traversal condition where remote code execution becomes possible through the PHP include mechanism. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects multiple core application files, increasing the attack surface and exploitation opportunities. Security controls such as input validation, output encoding, and secure parameter handling were either absent or inadequately implemented in the application's codebase. The lack of proper access controls and authentication checks further compounds the risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited without prior authorization. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameter sanitization, and disabling remote file inclusion features to prevent exploitation. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against this type of attack.