CVE-2005-0870 in phpSysInfo
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in phpSysInfo 2.3, when register_globals is enabled, allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) sensor_program parameter to index.php, (2) text[language], (3) text[template], or (4) hide_picklist parameter to system_footer.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0870 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness in phpSysInfo version 2.3 that exploits the insecure handling of user input when the register_globals PHP configuration option is enabled. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-79 as it involves the injection of malicious scripts into web applications through improperly validated input parameters. The flaw specifically targets four distinct input vectors within the phpSysInfo application interface, creating multiple attack surfaces for malicious actors seeking to compromise user sessions or execute unauthorized code within victim browsers. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the widespread use of register_globals in older PHP configurations, which automatically creates global variables from request data, thereby bypassing normal input validation mechanisms.
The technical exploitation occurs through four primary parameters that are processed without adequate sanitization or output encoding. The sensor_program parameter in index.php accepts unfiltered input that can be manipulated to inject malicious JavaScript code directly into the application's response. Similarly, the text[language] parameter allows attackers to inject scripts through language selection interfaces, while text[template] enables manipulation of template parameters to execute unauthorized code. The hide_picklist parameter in system_footer.php presents another avenue for injection attacks through improper handling of user-provided values. All these attack vectors leverage the dangerous combination of register_globals being enabled and insufficient input validation, creating a condition where user-supplied data flows directly into HTML output without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to steal user sessions, redirect victims to malicious sites, or manipulate the application's interface to display fraudulent content. When register_globals is enabled, the vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous because it eliminates the need for attackers to construct complex payloads that would normally be required to bypass modern input validation techniques. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that these parameters are often used in legitimate application functionality, making the injection attacks more subtle and harder to detect. Users who access the phpSysInfo application through vulnerable systems become potential victims of session hijacking, credential theft, or other malicious activities that can persist across multiple user sessions.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability require immediate remediation through multiple approaches aligned with established security frameworks. The primary recommendation involves disabling the register_globals PHP configuration option, which directly eliminates the root cause of the vulnerability by preventing automatic creation of global variables from request data. Additionally, comprehensive input validation and output encoding must be implemented across all application parameters to ensure that any user-supplied data is properly sanitized before being processed or displayed. This approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which focuses on session hijacking through injection attacks. Organizations should also implement proper parameter validation and use secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing injection flaws and cross-site scripting vulnerabilities. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar patterns in other application components, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and output encoding throughout all web application interfaces.