CVE-2005-0793 in ZPanel
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in zpanel.php in ZPanel allows remote attackers to (1) execute arbitrary PHP code in ZPanel 2.0 or (2) include local files in ZPanel 2.5 beta 10 and earlier by modifying the page parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0793 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in ZPanel version 2.0 and earlier, specifically within the zpanel.php component. This issue stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data from being processed as file paths or URLs. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker manipulates the page parameter to include malicious file paths or URLs, creating a pathway for unauthorized code execution and potential system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the page parameter within the zpanel.php script, which directly incorporates user-supplied input into file inclusion operations without adequate sanitization. In ZPanel 2.0, this flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by injecting malicious code through the page parameter, effectively allowing for complete system compromise. For ZPanel 2.5 beta 10 and earlier versions, the vulnerability permits local file inclusion attacks where attackers can access and potentially execute local files on the server, bypassing normal access controls and potentially escalating privileges.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper control of code generation, and represents a classic example of a remote file inclusion attack pattern that has been documented across numerous web applications throughout the years. The attack vector follows established patterns found in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of "T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and "T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application" categories, as attackers leverage publicly exposed web interfaces to inject malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise, data theft, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, and gain access to sensitive system information. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of ZPanel, which serves as a web hosting control panel, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on this platform for hosting services.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations, and applying the latest security patches from ZPanel developers. Additionally, network segmentation and web application firewalls should be deployed to limit access to vulnerable components and detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the dangers of allowing user-supplied data to directly influence file inclusion operations within web applications, as highlighted in industry best practices for secure coding and vulnerability remediation.