CVE-2005-0678 in Form Mail Script
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in formmail.inc.php for Form Mail Script 2.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by modifying the script_root to reference a URL on a remote web server that contains the code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0678 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Form Mail Script version 2.3 and earlier, specifically affecting the formmail.inc.php component. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and represents a classic example of a remote code execution vulnerability that has been prevalent in web applications since the early days of php scripting. The flaw stems from the application's improper handling of user-supplied input that is directly incorporated into file inclusion mechanisms without adequate validation or sanitization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the script_root parameter is manipulated by an attacker to point to a remote web server hosting malicious PHP code. When the vulnerable application processes this modified parameter, it includes and executes the remote file as if it were a local script, effectively allowing attackers to inject arbitrary PHP code into the web server environment. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more specifically to CWE-94, which addresses execution of arbitrary code or commands. The vulnerability exploits the fundamental trust placed in local file inclusion mechanisms while failing to validate that the requested file originates from an authorized source.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Once exploited, the attacker can execute any PHP code they choose, potentially leading to data theft, server compromise, or complete system takeover. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated attacks. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services, and T1059, which covers executing malicious code through command injection. Organizations running affected versions of the Form Mail Script are at significant risk of having their web infrastructure compromised, as the vulnerability allows for persistent backdoor access and data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The most effective immediate fix involves upgrading to a patched version of the Form Mail Script that properly validates and sanitizes the script_root parameter before using it in file inclusion operations. Additionally, administrators should implement input validation that ensures the script_root parameter only references local paths or explicitly authorized remote locations. The implementation of PHP's open_basedir directive and disabling of remote file inclusion features through the disable_functions directive in php.ini configuration files can provide additional layers of protection. Network-level mitigations such as firewall rules that restrict access to vulnerable applications and web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious file inclusion patterns should also be considered. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper parameter handling in preventing remote code execution scenarios, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and other industry security frameworks.