CVE-2005-0438 in awstats
Summary
by MITRE
awstats.pl in AWStats 6.3 and 6.4 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by setting the debug parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0438 affects AWStats version 6.3 and 6.4, specifically targeting the awstats.pl script which serves as the core component for web server log analysis and reporting. This issue represents a sensitive information disclosure vulnerability that arises from improper input validation and error handling within the application's debug functionality. The flaw exists in the way the application processes the debug parameter, which when manipulated by an attacker can reveal confidential system information including file paths, server configurations, and potentially sensitive data that should remain hidden from unauthorized users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the lack of proper parameter sanitization and access controls within the debug feature of AWStats. When an attacker sets the debug parameter to specific values, the application fails to validate or restrict the input, allowing the debug functionality to expose internal system details. This behavior aligns with CWE-200, which addresses the improper handling of sensitive information, and represents a classic example of information exposure through insecure debug mechanisms. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication or privileged access, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications that utilize AWStats for log analysis.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using AWStats for web analytics, as it can expose sensitive server information that attackers could leverage for further exploitation. The disclosure of file paths and system configurations provides attackers with valuable intelligence for planning more sophisticated attacks, potentially leading to privilege escalation or system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it can facilitate reconnaissance activities that align with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers the discovery of system information through enumeration and reconnaissance activities. Organizations may experience reputational damage and regulatory compliance issues if sensitive information is exposed through this vulnerability.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0438 should include immediate patching of AWStats to versions that address this specific vulnerability, as the maintainers would have implemented proper input validation and debug parameter restrictions. Organizations should also implement network-level controls to restrict access to the AWStats application and its debug functionality, particularly in production environments where such exposure could be exploited. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns of debug parameter usage that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly when implementing debug features that should never be exposed in production environments according to security best practices established in both CWE and NIST guidelines for secure software development.