CVE-2005-0571 in PunBB
Summary
by MITRE
admin_loader.php in PunBB 1.2.1 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via the plugin parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0571 affects PunBB version 1.2.1 and represents a critical file inclusion flaw in the admin_loader.php component. This issue arises from inadequate input validation within the plugin parameter handling mechanism, allowing malicious actors to exploit the system through remote code execution pathways. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before processing it within the administrative loading functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic path traversal attack vector where the plugin parameter accepts arbitrary file paths without proper validation or sanitization. When an attacker crafts a malicious request containing a crafted plugin parameter value, the system processes this input directly without adequate security controls. This flaw enables attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, system compromise, or information disclosure. The vulnerability specifically targets the administrative interface components where plugin loading occurs, making it particularly dangerous as it provides access to privileged system functions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations utilizing PunBB 1.2.1 installations, as remote attackers can leverage this flaw to access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially gain deeper system access. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure to include potential privilege escalation opportunities and system compromise. Attackers may exploit this vulnerability to read database configuration files, administrative credentials, or other sensitive system components that could facilitate further attacks. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require local system access or physical presence to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for web applications exposed to public networks.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameter sanitization, and access control measures to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. The fix should involve implementing proper input validation on all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in administrative functions. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes path traversal flaws, and represents a direct threat to the principle of least privilege in system design. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059 for command and script injection techniques and T1083 for file and directory discovery, as attackers would use this flaw to explore system resources and potentially escalate privileges. The remediation approach should include comprehensive code review to identify similar input handling patterns and implementation of secure coding practices that prevent arbitrary file access through user-controllable parameters.