CVE-2005-1353 in forum.pl
Summary
by MITRE
The forum.pl script allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a full pathname in the argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1353 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the forum.pl script that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the target system. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and directory traversal attacks, which are classified as CWE-22 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The flaw exists because the script fails to properly validate or sanitize user input that contains file path information, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the input parameter to navigate the file system beyond intended boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the forum.pl script processes user-supplied arguments that contain full pathnames without adequate input validation. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious input that includes directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar path manipulation techniques to access files outside the intended directory structure. This weakness directly enables unauthorized information disclosure and can potentially lead to complete system compromise if sensitive files containing credentials, configuration data, or application source code are accessible through this vector. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of proper access control and input sanitization within the script's parameter handling mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-1353 extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more severe attack vectors. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive system files, configuration databases, or application source code that may contain hard-coded passwords, database connection strings, or other confidential information. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers may use the retrieved information to craft more sophisticated attacks or establish persistence within the compromised environment. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local system credentials to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the forum.pl script. The most effective approach involves implementing strict path validation that ensures all file access operations occur within predetermined directories and that user-supplied input cannot contain directory traversal sequences. Security measures should include canonicalizing file paths, implementing whitelist validation for acceptable file names, and using secure coding practices that prevent direct file path manipulation. Organizations should also consider implementing proper access controls and privilege separation to limit the impact of such vulnerabilities. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of following secure coding guidelines and adhering to the principle of least privilege in web application development, as outlined in various security frameworks and standards including OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework recommendations.