CVE-2005-0952 in pafiledb
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting vulnerability in pafiledb.php in PaFileDB 3.1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0952 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within PaFileDB 3.1, a popular file download management system. This security weakness resides in the pafiledb.php script and specifically targets the id parameter handling mechanism. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of other users' browsers, creating a significant vector for various cyber attacks including session hijacking, data theft, and malicious content delivery. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization practices within the application's parameter processing logic.
The technical implementation of this cross-site scripting vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input passed through the id parameter. When a malicious actor submits crafted script code within this parameter, the application processes and reflects the input without adequate encoding or filtering mechanisms. This allows the injected payload to execute in the victim's browser context, potentially leading to unauthorized actions being performed on behalf of the user. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and demonstrates the classic pattern of insufficient input validation combined with improper output encoding. The attack vector operates through standard web browser interactions where the malicious script is executed when the vulnerable page is accessed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, creating a comprehensive threat landscape for organizations using PaFileDB 3.1. Attackers can leverage this weakness to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, deface web pages, or perform actions that appear to originate from legitimate users. The vulnerability particularly affects users who trust the file download system and navigate to pages containing maliciously crafted URLs. From an adversary perspective, this flaw maps directly to ATT&CK technique T1566, which encompasses social engineering and malicious file delivery methods. The vulnerability also relates to T1059, which involves command and scripting interpreters, as attackers can execute malicious scripts within the browser environment. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to sensitive data, compromised user accounts, and potential reputational damage from content defacement or data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0952 should prioritize immediate application patching and input validation implementation. System administrators must ensure all user-supplied input is properly sanitized and encoded before processing or display, implementing strict parameter validation for the id field. The recommended approach includes applying the vendor's official security patch for PaFileDB 3.1 and implementing comprehensive input filtering mechanisms that prevent script execution in web contexts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious input patterns, while establishing proper output encoding practices that prevent reflected XSS attacks. Additional protective measures include restricting user privileges, implementing content security policies, and conducting regular security assessments of web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also involve comprehensive security training for developers to prevent similar issues in future application development cycles, emphasizing the critical importance of input validation and output encoding practices.