CVE-2005-0796 in Hola
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in HolaCMS 1.4.9-1 allows remote attackers to overwrite arbitrary files via a "holaDB/votes" followed by a .. (dot dot) in the vote_filename parameter, which bypasses the check by HolaCMS to ensure that the file is in the holaDB/votes directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0796 represents a classic directory traversal flaw within the HolaCMS content management system version 1.4.9-1. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and directory traversal attacks that have been consistently identified as critical security weaknesses in web applications. The flaw specifically manifests in the vote_filename parameter handling within the voting functionality of the CMS, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass intended security restrictions. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file path operations, allowing attackers to manipulate directory navigation sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the absence of proper path validation checks within the application's file handling logic. When a user submits a vote through the CMS interface, the system processes a parameter called vote_filename that should ideally restrict file operations to the designated holaDB/votes directory. However, the application's security controls are insufficiently implemented, allowing attackers to prepend directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation. This manipulation enables the attacker to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access or modify files that should remain protected. The vulnerability specifically affects the file path resolution mechanism that should enforce directory boundaries, creating an opportunity for arbitrary file overwrite operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data integrity concerns to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to overwrite critical system files, inject malicious code into the application, or gain unauthorized access to administrative functions within the CMS. The ability to overwrite arbitrary files means that attackers could potentially corrupt the CMS installation, modify core application files, or establish persistent access mechanisms. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the web application, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where CMS systems handle sensitive user data and content management operations.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as aligning with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw also corresponds to techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059 and T1068 tactics, which involve executing malicious code and exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures including proper path sanitization, strict directory boundary enforcement, and regular security assessments of web applications. The remediation approach should focus on implementing proper parameter validation, using secure file handling functions, and ensuring that all file operations are strictly confined to predetermined directories. Additionally, application developers should adopt secure coding practices that prevent directory traversal by implementing whitelist validation for file paths and employing proper access control mechanisms that restrict file system operations to authorized users only.