CVE-2005-1003 in PayProCart
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php for ProfitCode PayProCart 3.0 allows remote attackers to include arbitrary PHP files via .. (dot dot) sequences in the modID parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1003 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the ProfitCode PayProCart 3.0 web application. This security weakness exists in the index.php script and specifically affects the modID parameter handling, creating an avenue for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through malicious input sequences. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper path resolution mechanisms that fail to sanitize user-supplied data before processing file inclusion operations.
This directory traversal vulnerability operates by allowing attackers to manipulate the modID parameter through .. (dot dot) sequences that traverse up the directory structure. When the application processes these sequences without proper sanitization, it enables unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory boundaries. The flaw directly relates to CWE-22, which classifies directory traversal vulnerabilities as improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. Such attacks permit adversaries to access sensitive system files, configuration data, or even execute malicious code within the application's context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it provides attackers with the capability to include arbitrary PHP files from remote locations or local system directories. This could enable full system compromise through code injection, data exfiltration, or privilege escalation depending on the application's execution context and file permissions. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require local system access or physical presence to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for web applications exposed to public networks.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically PHP, and T1566 for phishing with malicious attachments or links. The attack vector typically involves sending malicious URLs containing the directory traversal sequences to targeted users or systems, leveraging the application's trust in user input without proper validation. Security professionals should recognize this as a classic example of insecure direct object reference vulnerability that requires proper input validation and secure coding practices to prevent unauthorized file access.
The recommended mitigation strategies include implementing strict input validation for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Organizations should employ proper parameter sanitization techniques, including whitelisting acceptable values, implementing absolute path restrictions, and using secure file access methods that prevent path traversal attempts. Additionally, the application should be configured with the principle of least privilege, ensuring that the web application operates with minimal required permissions and that file access controls are properly enforced. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, particularly those handling file operations or dynamic content inclusion. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and secure coding practices in preventing remote code execution through directory traversal attacks.