CVE-2005-0572 in phpWebSite
Summary
by MITRE
index.php in phpWebSite 0.10.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via an invalid SEA_search_module parameter, which reveals the path in a PHP error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0572 represents a classic information disclosure flaw within the phpWebSite content management system version 0.10.0 and earlier. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and error handling mechanisms within the index.php script, which processes search module parameters. When an attacker submits an invalid SEA_search_module parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before processing it, leading to the exposure of critical system information through PHP error messages. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application encounters an unexpected parameter value and generates an error message that inadvertently reveals the server path structure, providing attackers with valuable reconnaissance data for subsequent attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper exception handling and input validation procedures. When the SEA_search_module parameter is not properly validated, the system attempts to process the malformed input and subsequently generates a PHP error message containing the absolute file path where the script is executing. This occurs because PHP's default error reporting configuration displays detailed error information including file paths when encountering runtime exceptions or undefined variables. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-200, which defines information exposure through error messages, and demonstrates poor input validation practices that allow attackers to gain insights into the underlying system architecture. The error message reveals the complete file path structure, including the document root and application directory hierarchy, which can be leveraged by threat actors to plan more sophisticated attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical reconnaissance data that can be used to craft more targeted attacks against the affected system. The exposed file paths can reveal the application's directory structure, potentially exposing sensitive directories or files that might otherwise remain hidden. This information disclosure can facilitate directory traversal attacks, help attackers identify potential vulnerabilities in the application's file permissions, and support further exploitation attempts. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the information gathering phase, specifically targeting the collection of system information. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity aspects of the system by providing unauthorized access to information that should remain private, potentially enabling attackers to bypass other security controls or identify additional attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0572 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and error handling procedures within the phpWebSite application. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation for all user-supplied inputs, particularly those used in dynamic include or require operations. The application should be configured to suppress detailed error messages in production environments and instead display generic error pages that do not reveal system information. Security patches should be applied to upgrade to phpWebSite versions that address this vulnerability, as the original version 0.10.0 and earlier contain the flawed error handling logic. Additionally, implementing proper logging mechanisms can help detect and respond to exploitation attempts, while configuring PHP to disable error display in production environments through appropriate php.ini settings will prevent the exposure of sensitive information. The remediation efforts should also include regular security assessments of the application's error handling mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other parts of the codebase.