CVE-2005-1295 in include.cgi
Summary
by MITRE
include.cgi script allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a full pathname in the argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1295 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the include.cgi script that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the target system. This issue falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, which are commonly exploited in web application attacks. The vulnerability specifically affects web servers that utilize the include.cgi script for processing user input, creating a dangerous pathway for unauthorized data access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the script's failure to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input parameters. When a user provides a full pathname as an argument to the include.cgi script, the application processes this input without adequate restrictions or filtering mechanisms. This allows attackers to manipulate the script's behavior to read files from arbitrary locations on the file system, potentially including sensitive system files, configuration data, or user information. The flaw operates by bypassing normal access controls and directly accessing file paths through the vulnerable parameter handling mechanism.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to gain comprehensive knowledge of the target system's file structure and potentially extract sensitive data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access system configuration files, database connection strings, password files, and other critical information that could facilitate further exploitation. The vulnerability also poses significant risks to data confidentiality and system integrity, as it allows unauthorized access to potentially protected resources that should only be accessible to authorized users or system processes.
This vulnerability aligns with several common attack patterns and security frameworks, including CWE-22 which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and relates to the ATT&CK technique T1083 for discovering system information. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate fundamental security principles and represents a classic example of how insufficient sanitization of user input can create severe security implications. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through proper input validation, implementation of access controls, and consideration of more secure file handling mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-1295 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization measures to prevent unauthorized file access. System administrators should ensure that the include.cgi script validates all input parameters, rejects potentially malicious path specifications, and restricts file access to predefined directories only. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, restricting file permissions, and conducting regular security audits can help prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation process should also include updating or replacing vulnerable scripts with secure alternatives that properly handle file operations and validate all user-supplied data before processing.