CVE-2005-1360 in GrayCMS
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in error.php in GrayCMS 1.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by modifying the path_prefix parameter to reference a URL on a remote web server that contains the code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1360 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in GrayCMS 1.1 that directly enables arbitrary code execution through improper input validation. This vulnerability resides within the error.php component of the content management system, where the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input parameters. The specific parameter affected is path_prefix, which when manipulated by an attacker can redirect the application to load external PHP code from remote servers. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure direct object reference flaws and directly maps to CWE-98, which describes improper file inclusion vulnerabilities that allow attackers to include files from external sources. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of input validation and output encoding practices that are essential for preventing code injection attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious request that modifies the path_prefix parameter to point to a remote web server hosting malicious PHP code. When the vulnerable application processes this parameter, it attempts to include and execute the remote file, effectively allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the web server process. This attack vector leverages the inherent trust that web applications place in local file operations, where the application assumes that included files are safe and legitimate. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without requiring authentication, making it a severe threat to web server security. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote file inclusion to execute arbitrary code on target systems.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data theft. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain full control over the web server, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire GrayCMS installation, as it allows unauthorized access to the underlying system resources. Organizations running GrayCMS 1.1 are particularly at risk since this vulnerability has been known for over a decade and was likely not patched in many legacy systems. The flaw represents a classic example of how inadequate input validation can lead to severe security consequences, as the application fails to implement proper sanitization of user-provided parameters before using them in file inclusion operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of several security measures including input validation, parameter sanitization, and proper file inclusion practices. The most effective immediate fix involves implementing strict input validation on the path_prefix parameter to ensure it only accepts legitimate local file paths and rejects any external URL references. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and file inclusion restrictions to prevent the application from accessing remote resources. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in OWASP Top 10 and the Secure Coding guidelines that emphasize proper input validation and output encoding. Additionally, regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other components of the application. System administrators should also implement network-level controls and web application firewalls to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include updating to a patched version of GrayCMS or implementing proper parameter validation measures that prevent external file inclusion operations. Organizations should also consider implementing automated security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all web applications follow secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future development cycles.