CVE-2005-1222 in Netref
Summary
by MITRE
cat_for_gen.php in Annuaire Netref 4.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by setting the ad_direct parameter to reference cat_for_gen.php, then including the code in the m_for_racine parameter, which is then written to cat_for_gen.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1222 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in the Annuaire Netref 4.2 web application. This vulnerability exists within the cat_for_gen.php script which serves as a component for generating directory listings and managing web content within the application's interface. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle user-supplied data, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a specific exploitation pattern that leverages parameter manipulation within the application's request handling. Attackers can manipulate the ad_direct parameter to reference the cat_for_gen.php script itself, then proceed to inject malicious PHP code through the m_for_racine parameter. This parameter is subsequently written to the cat_for_gen.php file without proper sanitization or validation, effectively allowing the injected code to be executed as part of the application's normal processing flow. The vulnerability essentially creates a self-modifying code scenario where user input directly influences the application's executable code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Once exploited, adversaries can execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the targeted system, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such applications may be exposed to untrusted users or external networks. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-94 category of "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter."
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security flaw and the underlying architectural issues that permitted the injection. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all parameters that are written to files or executed as code. Application developers should employ proper parameter escaping, input filtering, and output encoding to prevent malicious payloads from being processed. Additionally, the application should be configured with minimal necessary permissions, ensuring that the web server process cannot write to critical files or directories. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar injection vulnerabilities, while implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection. Organizations should also consider applying patches or upgrading to newer versions of the Annuaire Netref software that address this specific vulnerability, as the original version appears to be outdated and no longer supported.