CVE-2005-0748 in Mailing Manager
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in initdb.php for WEBInsta Mailing list manager 1.3d allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by modifying the absolute_path parameter to reference a URL on a remote web server that contains the code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0748 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw that affects WEBInsta Mailing list manager version 1.3d. This vulnerability resides within the initdb.php script and demonstrates a classic security weakness that has been consistently documented across multiple cybersecurity frameworks and threat models. The flaw allows malicious actors to manipulate the absolute_path parameter through URL references, effectively enabling arbitrary code execution on the target system. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and represents a fundamental breakdown in input validation and parameter handling within the application's initialization process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the absolute_path parameter to point toward a remote web server hosting malicious PHP code. When the application processes this parameter without proper sanitization or validation, it includes and executes the remote code as if it were part of the local application. This creates a pathway for attackers to inject malicious payloads, potentially gaining full control over the affected system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application level and can be exploited without requiring authentication or specialized privileges. According to CWE guidelines, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of argument separators in a command, and CWE-94, which addresses improper control of generation of code, both of which are fundamental weaknesses in software security architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and conduct further reconnaissance within the compromised network. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deploy web shells, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other systems. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with several tactics outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to command and control communications, privilege escalation, and initial access through web applications. Organizations running affected versions of WEBInsta Mailing list manager face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential system compromise, especially in environments where the application is publicly accessible or deployed without proper network segmentation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected application to version 1.3e or later, which addresses the improper parameter handling in initdb.php. System administrators should implement strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by blocking suspicious URL patterns and monitoring for anomalous file inclusion requests. The vulnerability serves as a prime example of why secure coding practices are essential, particularly in applications that handle user input for dynamic content inclusion. Regular security assessments and code reviews should focus on identifying similar patterns where external parameters are directly incorporated into file paths or include statements without proper validation mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring solutions that can detect attempts to exploit known remote file inclusion vulnerabilities, as these attacks often follow predictable patterns that can be identified through behavioral analysis and network traffic inspection.