CVE-2005-0800 in mcNews
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in install.php in mcNews 1.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by modifying the l parameter to reference a URL on a remote web server that contains the code, a different vulnerability than CVE-2005-0720.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0800 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the mcNews content management system version 1.3 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically affects the install.php script which fails to properly validate or sanitize user input parameters, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker manipulates the l parameter to point to a remote web server hosting malicious code, effectively allowing remote code execution through the installation process.
This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and more broadly relates to CWE-88, "Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command ('Argument Injection')." The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and sanitization that enables attackers to bypass normal security controls and execute unauthorized code within the application's context. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application level, allowing attackers to potentially gain full control over the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially use the compromised system as a launchpad for further attacks within the network. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability without requiring local access or credentials, making it particularly attractive for automated attacks. Organizations running mcNews versions 1.3 or earlier face significant risk of compromise, as the vulnerability can be exploited through simple HTTP requests that modify the l parameter in the install.php script.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0800 should focus on immediate patching of the mcNews application to version 1.4 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and parameter sanitization. Additionally, organizations should implement input validation measures that prevent the l parameter from accepting external URLs or implementing strict whitelisting of allowed values. Network-level defenses such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional protection by monitoring for suspicious parameter values and blocking requests that attempt to reference external resources. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices including input validation, output encoding, and principle of least privilege in application development. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1190 "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059.001 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP" demonstrating how attackers can leverage public-facing applications to execute malicious code through remote file inclusion techniques.