CVE-2005-0909 in Tkais Shoutbox
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in shoutact.php for TKai s Shoutbox allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the query parameter.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0909 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the TKai s Shoutbox component, specifically within the shoutact.php script. This issue arises from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into PHP execution contexts. The vulnerability manifests when the application accepts a query parameter that is directly used in file inclusion operations without proper sanitization or validation, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic remote file inclusion pattern where an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing a crafted query parameter that gets processed by the vulnerable shoutact.php script. This flaw directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of command and buffer injection. The vulnerability enables attackers to include remote files from malicious servers, effectively allowing them to execute arbitrary code on the web server hosting the vulnerable application. This represents a severe security weakness that can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations deploying TKai s Shoutbox components. Attackers can leverage this flaw to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or extract sensitive information from the compromised system. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple web browser interactions, making it particularly dangerous as it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit. The attack surface is broad since the vulnerability affects any system running the vulnerable version of the shoutbox component, potentially impacting numerous websites and web applications that have not applied the necessary security patches.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1190 category for Exploit Public-Facing Application. This attack pattern involves targeting vulnerabilities in externally accessible web applications to gain initial access to target systems. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a classic example of insufficient input validation that can be mitigated through proper parameter sanitization and the implementation of secure coding practices. Organizations should implement input validation controls, disable remote file inclusion features, and apply the latest security patches to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0909 should include immediate patching of the vulnerable TKai s Shoutbox component, implementation of web application firewalls to detect and block malicious file inclusion attempts, and strict input validation measures for all user-supplied parameters. The vulnerability can be addressed through proper parameter sanitization, disabling the ability to include remote files, and implementing secure coding practices that prevent direct user input from being used in file inclusion operations. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify other potential vulnerabilities in their web applications and ensure that all third-party components are kept up to date with the latest security patches. The remediation process should also include monitoring for signs of exploitation attempts and implementing proper access controls to limit the potential impact of successful attacks.