CVE-2005-0632 in PHPNews
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in auth.php in PHPNews 1.2.4 and possibly 1.2.3, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0632 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in PHPNews version 1.2.4 and potentially 1.2.3, specifically affecting the auth.php script. This issue stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to adequately restrict user-supplied data from being directly incorporated into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes the path parameter without sufficient sanitization, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary file paths that can be executed within the PHP runtime environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the path parameter within the auth.php file, which serves as a critical authentication component in the PHPNews application. When an attacker supplies a malicious value to this parameter, the application's insecure file inclusion mechanism attempts to load and execute the specified file path, effectively allowing remote code execution. This flaw directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command or query, and CWE-94, which addresses the execution of arbitrary code through the inclusion of untrusted files. The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to bypass normal authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to the system's execution environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform complete system compromise through the execution of arbitrary PHP code. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, establish backdoors, escalate privileges, or conduct further reconnaissance activities within the compromised environment. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the execution of code through PHP scripts, and T1078, which addresses valid accounts and legitimate credentials for persistence and access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected PHPNews versions, as well as implementing comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied input is properly validated and that file inclusion operations use whitelisting mechanisms rather than direct parameter incorporation. The implementation of proper parameter validation, including the use of allowlists for acceptable file paths, would prevent malicious input from being processed. Additionally, disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configuration and implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious requests can provide additional layers of protection. Security practitioners should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for web applications, ensuring that the web server operates with minimal necessary permissions to reduce potential impact from successful exploitation attempts.