CVE-2005-1083 in aeDating
Summary
by MITRE
index.php in aeDating 3.2 allows remote attackers to include arbitrary files via the skin parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1083 affects aeDating 3.2, a web-based dating platform that suffers from a critical remote code execution flaw through improper input validation. This issue manifests in the index.php script where the skin parameter lacks adequate sanitization, creating an arbitrary file inclusion vulnerability that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute malicious code on the target system. The flaw resides in the application's failure to properly validate and filter user-supplied input before using it to determine which skin file to include, thereby opening the door to unauthorized code execution.
This vulnerability represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference and improper input validation, falling under the CWE-22 category for improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. The attack vector allows remote adversaries to manipulate the skin parameter to include arbitrary files from the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability operates by accepting user input that directly influences file inclusion operations, enabling attackers to load malicious files from external locations or internal server paths that should remain protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the web server process. This can result in full system compromise, data exfiltration, and the establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the dating platform's data, potentially exposing user information and allowing attackers to manipulate the application's functionality. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to sensitive user data, modify application behavior, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-1083 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent unauthorized file inclusion operations. Organizations should immediately patch the application to the latest available version that addresses this vulnerability, as no vendor support exists for such an outdated platform. The recommended approach involves implementing a whitelist-based system for skin parameter validation, where only predefined and trusted skin files are allowed for inclusion. Additionally, restricting file inclusion operations to specific directories and implementing proper access controls can significantly reduce the attack surface. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, and T1566 for malicious file execution, emphasizing the need for comprehensive input validation and secure coding practices. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious file inclusion patterns, while maintaining regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in legacy applications.